BACKGROUND

People with perceptual, cognitive, and motor impairments deserve to have greater access to the wealth of information available on the Internet. The ability to engage in everyday activities now performed via the Internet, such as shopping, can improve the quality of life for users with impairments. However, research studies have repeatedly found that approximately 80 percent of private web sites are inaccessible to user with impairments. This affects millions of Americans with disabilities. For example, there are approximately 7.8 million Americans with vision impairments.

While there are many assistive technologies available (such as screen readers), web sites must be designed to facilitate the effective use of such technology. Many guidelines exist to assist both developers and webmasters in creating more accessible websites. However, only a few countries, such as the U.S., have accessibility standards for official governmental websites. Further, these requirements do not apply to commercial websites that are a vital part of the web. Millions of additional users could obtain increased access to the Internet by extending federal accessibility requirements to commercial websites.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Extend Federal Accessibility Requirements - Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that United States federal government websites be accessible to users with impairments. The primary U.S. law giving citizens accessibility rights - the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) - was written and enacted without consideration of the Internet. It does not extend the rights enjoyed by millions of disabled people in the physical world into cyberspace. Further, court cases attempting to establish disability rights have given little clear judicial guidance. Federal law should be harmonized by extending accessibility to public, commercial websites.

Use Known Accessibility Standards - The information technology and disability communities have developed accessibility standards that federal agencies use to comply with the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. These well-known and well-vetted standards can be used as models for extending accessibility requirements to public, commercial websites.

Minimize Regulatory Burden - The Internet is a vibrant and dynamic place that provides education, entertainment and information to millions. This resource should be as broadly accessible as possible. This means that the burden of federal regulations should not impede innovation in commercial services. Regulations should not discourage the free participation by individuals and organizations in contributing to the Internet. Compliance should not be a burden to commercial entities providing new services and means for public involvement.

Develop Tools -Resources (such as software tools and guidelines) already exist to make commercial websites accessible to section 508 standards. The information technology community should continue to develop additional low-cost web-development tools. Further, the federal government should continue to promote and fund research into how to develop more accessible information technology systems.

The power of computing can help improve the quality of lives for all people, including those with disabilities. Web sites that are accessible have an increased number of potential users, which could improve sales, profitability, and information dissemination. Furthermore, accessible web sites often provide more flexibility for users without impairments who want to access a web site through alternative means, such as cell phones and PDAs. For example, in recent years, curb cuts in the street have not only helped people in wheelchairs, but also parents pushing strollers, individuals on bikes, and travelers with wheeled luggage. Similarly, making a web site accessible may improve the web site experience for all users.

Send comments on http://sigchi.org/uspolicy/accessibility_policy.html to the Adjunct Chair for US Public Policy, Ben Bederson, at sigchi-ac-uspolicy@acm.org