Legal Issues of Web Accessibility

            The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was designed to help knock down the walls that prevented people with disabilities from enjoying full access to the world around them.  It didn't take long for the US government addressed the issue of web accessibility as a right of all people and an issue covered by the ADA.

            The ADA's role in technology first appeared in it's application in the workplace.  Under the ADA, companies had to make "reasonable accommodations" to assist their disabled employees in the performance of their job.  In 1996, the Department of Justice extended the scope of the ADA to include the internet.  It required all government and public entities who communicated through the internet to provide accessibility.  Because of this, if a complaint is filed against them, a company can be fined up to $55,000 for a violation and $110,000 for additional violations.  Most complaints that have been filed have been solved through negotiations, and have not needed to be taken to court. (Waddell, US Web, 332). 

            Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires manufacturers of televisions, computers, and other telecommunications devices and services accessible for individuals with disabilities unless the currently technology does not allow for it or is unreasonably expensive.  Technology such as voice recognition and voice input/output technology also fall under the Act. 

            Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards (Section 508) was updated and strengthened under the 1998 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act.  It required the government to make all government sites and websites maintained by groups receiving federal money to make accommodations for accessibility.  It also encourages companies to research and design more accessible technologies.

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