Web accessibility and the law: recommendations for implementation
| Date | 01 December 2002 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830210452613 |
| Pages | 406-419 |
| Published date | 01 December 2002 |
| Author | Holly Yu |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Web accessibility and
the law:
recommendations for
implementation
Holly Yu
Introduction
Access to electronic resources and services in
libraries has been enhanced through Web-based
interfaces. Library Web sites have been evolving
into information gateways that provide access to
library services and resources, including
electronic databases, library catalogs, research
tools, and the Internet. These developments
have opened the door to unprecedented
numbers of library users and changed the way
individuals read that information. However, the
availability does not equate to accessibility. The
issue of Web accessibility is increasingly
becoming an important component of Web
design and use. It is clear that current barriers
encountered in the implementation of accessible
Web design do not only stem from design issues.
There are many factors contributing to this
situation. These factors include the lack of
awareness and professional preparation,
accessibility implementation handled on an
ad hoc basis, and relying on the utilization of
assistive technology. In recent years, there has
been a growing body of significant laws and
standards concerning Web accessibility that
impact people with disabilities and their ability
to fully overcome digital barriers and participate
in the Web environment. However, the absence
of the obligation in fulfilling legal requirements
and unawareness of that ensuring Web
accessibility is a legal mandate, have created
barriers in implementing the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act as amended in 1998, and
others. Ways of breaking down these barriers to
a fuller accessibility implementation do exist.
This article intends to contribute to a clearer
understanding of the laws:
.to identify current implementation status;
.to address barriers for implementing these
laws through a close examination of the
implementation efforts at California
Community Colleges; and
.to offer recommendations for
implementation.
Legal requirements and legal settlements
Access to information through technology has
increasingly become a necessary tool for success
The author
Holly Yu is Library Web Administrator and User Services
Librarian, University Library, California State University,
Los Angeles, California, USA. E-mail: hyu3@calstatela.edu
Keywords
Disabled people, Internet, Libraries,
Information technology, Law
Abstract
The proliferation of information in electronic format does not
guarantee its accessibility. The fact that many Web sites are
not accessible to large segments of the disabled community
has created a ``digital divide''. The accessibility barriers are
systemic. In recent years, there has been a growing body of
significant laws and standards concerning Web accessibility
that impact people with disabilities. Ways of breaking down
these barriers to a fuller accessibility implementation do
exist, including education to raise awareness of Web
accessibility, nationwide policy and guidelines for
accessibility, and Web-based applications and tools to
facilitate Web accessibility, to name a few.
Electronic access
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The current issue and full text archive of this journal is
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Theme articles
406
Library Hi Tech
Volume 20 .Number 4 .2002 .pp. 406±419
#MCB UP Limited .ISSN 0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378830210452613
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