Disabled users are facing a "technological lock-out" when it comes to accessing social networking sites, a new report by web consultancy AbilityNet has revealed.

Even the most popular social networks, including Facebook, MySpace, and Bebo, do not cater for disabled users, making it difficult for them to register, the report found. Kath Moonan, AbilityNet’s senior accessibility and usability consultant said, "Social networking needs to be available for every capability. "

AbilityNet noted how many sites use a CAPTCHA image as a visual verification code, during the registration process. It is usually a random display of distorted words or letters which can only be recognised by humans, not software. Those with either a visual impairment or learning difficulty such as dyslexia will find it hard to recognise this, and will therefore be unable to process further.

"When we asked disabled users their thoughts on how social networking sites cater for users with disabilities, they couldn’t comment as they were unable to even register with the site," explained Moonan.

The Disability Discrimination Act states that web site providers have to make "reasonable adjustment" for those with special needs. But according to Moonan, these sites are failing to comply more out of a lack of awareness that a deliberate motivation to exclude them.

"They need to re-think the way they provide their services in order to cater for everyone," she added. "But in October last year, I contacted many of the major social networking websites, and unfortunately gained no response."