Introduction to this issue: disability, public policy, and technology

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 launched a new era for individuals with disabilities. This law, considered by many to be the Civil Rights Act for people with disabilities, prohibits employment discrimination and generally requires equal access for individuals with disabilities (O’Day, Schartz, & Blanck, 2002). The prior special issue, 20(6), of Behavioral Sciences and the Law examined the barriers facing persons with disabilities in achieving employment integration, selfsufficiency, and economic independence. This special sub-issue examines a com­ plementary topic, the emerging and central importance of accessible technology and Internet access to integrated employment and independence for individuals with disabilities. American society has changed dramatically in the 13 years since the passage of the ADA. People are more dependent on computers and technology for information, employment, education, support, and recreation. Every day, millions of people use the Internet. From their homes, offices or even cafes, people research, purchase products, search for jobs, participate in distance learning, and contact friends and family. The articles in this special sub-issue highlight the central importance of accessible technology, the Internet, and computers to the daily lives of persons with disabilities and to evolving disability policy and law. Individuals with hearing impairments or who are blind do not need interpreters or aids to do business on accessible Internet sites. Individuals who use wheelchairs and walkers do not have to worry about whether there are ramps and elevators to shop online. Yet, individuals with disabilities are far less likely than individuals without disabilities to own computers at home or to access the Internet (see Kaye, 2002). Even with access to computers, many individuals with disabilities, such as those with sensory or motor skill disabilities, require ‘‘assistive technology’’ or special computer software and hardware to access the Internet. Despite the progress in making society more accessible in the years since the passage of the ADA with the elimination of many physical barriers in streets, buildings, and public transportation, the Internet community remains inaccessible for many individuals with disabilities. Internet ‘‘accommodation’’ takes a variety of forms. For some individuals, accessibility may include adequate color contrast, the ability to identify images on the screen, or features that allow the print to be enlarged. Many web sites do not have the essential features necessary for individuals with disabilities to effectively use the web site despite the user’s assistive hardware or software. A recent study of federal websites after implementation of Section 508 of