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The Arthritis Care website is a leading example of how accessibility can be used to assist web users with mobility difficulties, as well as those with visual impairments.
The site was developed by Jamkit, the web development company specialising in providing accessible and useable online solutions to the not for profit sector for the past six years.
The website puts end-users first. By working with groups representing a broad range of people living with arthritis as well as consulting with a bank of several hundred volunteers, Arthritis Care was able to assemble a clear picture of the service people wanted. Using this research, Jamkit was able to create a site that caters specifically to the needs of its visitors.
A lot of people with arthritis have pain and limited mobility in their hands and wrists, which can range from joint pain and stiffness, to muscle or tendon problems. The website is designed to make sure people need to use as few mouse ‘clicks’ as possible to get to the information they want. For example, the website has no drop down menus.
It also ensures that the information is presented in a way most logical to its users. A lot of user-testing was conducted to ensure different sections made sense for visitors and that the information within them was where users expected to find it.
As people with arthritis can often feel isolated by the condition, the website acts as a primary tool for people with arthritis to interact through online discussion forums, allowing visitors to share stories, experiences, tips and self-help strategies. It also has an ‘in your area’ section, which provides information on local news and events, training opportunities, services and local Arthritis Care branch details.
The Arthritis Care website is accessible, user-friendly and easy to navigate- making it an essential tool for people living with arthritis, their families and for medical professionals.
Alison Tebbutt
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