As technology advances, the definition of "readily achievable" accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is evolving to include the digital realm. While the ADA, enacted in 1990, was designed to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal access to physical spaces, its relevance to the internet has become a pressing issue. Websites play an essential role in modern communication, commerce, and information dissemination. However, they…
Web accessibility ensures that websites are usable by individuals with disabilities, a requirement under various national and international anti-discrimination laws. While existing research has mainly concentrated on the legal aspects of these policies, the practical mechanisms for enforcing compliance remain underexplored. In the UK and US, interest organizations, including non-profits and for-profits, play a crucial role in promoting web accessibility through certification services. Certification Types:…
The app development industry is booming, and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have gained traction as a digital accessibility bridge between native and web technologies. PWAs, built with web technologies, offer features akin to native apps, including offline capabilities and a mobile-first user interface. While technological advancements increase, the demand for digital accessibility grows, yet many websites, including those of government entities, fail to provide equal…
Digital inclusion is an evolving landscape achieved through organic digital accessibility. This paper explores the pivotal technology and recent theory advancements in digital inclusion theory and proposes a framework encompassing key components such as access and usage, quality of access, affordability, and digital skills. The discussion extends to the current measurement methods employed in household and firm surveys and by international organizations, identifying notable deficiencies…
In the ongoing pursuit of online equality for individuals with disabilities, there is a critical need to reassess current advocacy strategies through the lens of human rights and social justice. This article delves into the multifaceted challenges faced by disabled individuals in accessing the internet, particularly in technologically advanced societies like the United States. The Evolution of Disability and the Internet The evolution of…
Despite U.S. laws such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA, students with disabilities still face barriers to digital access to online educational content. This article explores a case study where a team designed three self-paced e-learning modules to train instructional designers in creating accessible online learning environments. The design process followed a three-phase approach: planning, development, and implementation. This case highlights…
In a democratic society, digital accessibility plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can participate fully and achieve personal fulfillment. This article explores how digital accessibility intersects with democratic governance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and First Amendment rights, highlighting the legal and ethical imperatives for inclusive digital environments. An all-in-one Digital Compliance Platform is presented as a solution to ensure…
With the anticipated growth of the population with disabilities and their unmet health information needs, it's critical to examine the digital accessibility of popular health websites. This investigation focuses on the functional performance of these websites, rather than the efficacy of specific health message appeals, by assessing their web accessibility, readability, and mobility. A study was conducted on 139 health-focused websites sampled from the Alexa®…
In today's digital age, information technology (IT) products are ubiquitous in our daily lives. However, individuals with disabilities still encounter challenges in utilizing these technologies. To ensure equitable access to IT products for people with disabilities, various laws, guidelines, and standards have been implemented. Notably, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the 21st-Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and…
