When it comes to the physical operation of running a business, there aren’t many ways to get around handicapped or disability compliance. You must have a ramp on your sidewalk. There must be an elevator to get to the upper or lower levels. You have to offer interpreter services. You cannot discriminate in your hiring practices. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,
no individual may be discriminated against on the basis of disability with regards to the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.
However, Web sites do not fall under the classification of “public accomodation” and principles of Web accessibility may be applied at the discretion of the site owner. There is a push for legislation to make accessible Web design mandatory, but there are difficulties. There are so many factors and different requirements to take into consideration that it seems impossible to be inclusive to everyone.
Since the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, more legislation has been passed to help Web designers accommodate accessible technology.
“The Assistive Technology Act of 1998″ includes provisions for the development, funding, and availability of assistive technologies, and the dissemination of information regarding these technologies. This act is important to Web developers because the potential for an increase in end users who are accessing Web-based materials using assistive technologies means an increased need for accessible Web design (and the increased opportunity for Web architects to incorporate the principles of accessible Web design). Source: ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology Syracuse NY
More information about legislation for people with handicaps and disabilities can be found at:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Tags: americans with disabilities act, assistive technology act, legalese, telecommunications act
