Manchester City Councilhas launched a
new "highly accessible"Web 2.0 website.
Following an accessibility audit and testing with a range of
disabled users, the site was found to be "highly accessible" for a
range of impairments, including motor control difficulties and
sight and hearing impairments, by accessibility consultant
AbilityNet.
Working with content management system (CMS) specialist Jadu,
the council site also offers a range of Web 2.0 features, such as
advanced Google Maps, social book-marking of content, dynamic A-Z
services and a simplified navigation structure.
Residents will have the ability to search for their local
councillor by postcode, and access a range of information, such as
local events and education information, using
search.manchester.gov.uk - an accessible "Google-like" search
website.
Powered by the Jadu CMS with Google Enterprise Search, the new
system will also enable council employees to publish information
quickly and monitor which areas of the site are the most used, and
adapt online content accordingly to fulfil the needs of the
community.
Annette Hartley, senior project manager at Manchester City
Council, said, "Jadu CMS provides a range of benefits for both the
residents of Manchester and the staff at the council. It also
enables us to meet compliance issues, national standards as well as
the latest accessibility requirements."