Open AccessAccess denied: Improving federal policy on Web accessibility
Author(s) -
Brobst John L.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
proceedings of the american society for information science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1550-8390
pISSN - 0044-7870
DOI - 10.1002/meet.2011.14504801307
Subject(s) - web accessibility , mandate , web site , key (lock) , business , public relations , compliance (psychology) , web application , political science , web standards , internet privacy , world wide web , public administration , the internet , computer science , psychology , computer security , law , social psychology
This paper presents initial findings related to the dissertation study by the author. The problem addressed is the observed low levels of compliance with federal policy on Web site accessibility. The study examines the two key federal policies that promote Web site accessibility, using a side‐by‐side policy analysis technique. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 together have the intent of establishing a legal mandate for equality regarding accessibility. In comparing key aspects of these two policies, the findings indicate several areas were the policies were inconsistent or unclear in providing guidance on attaining accessible Web sites. Recommendations call for the establishment of federal programs that would provide federal Web managers with additional training in Web site accessibility, and provide support for ongoing research towards developing guidance and tools that would serve to promote more accessible Web sites.