Disabilities and the Internet

Re: Neilsen, Jakob, Beyond Accessibility: Treating Users with Disabilities as People. useit.com, November 11, 2001.

I found this study to be extremely interesting because I never really thought about how those with disabilities utilize the internet. As Neilsen points out, those with disabilities are less likely to have successful web site sessions. Those with disabilities have problems viewing web sites that do not cater to the blind or the death. Some web sites have disability software set up so those who are blind can hear a vocal review of the web site copy. However, many web sites do not cater to those disabled.

If I ran a corporate web site I would make sure to include software on my web site that would allow those with disabilities to view, listen and actively utilize the site. I don't think that the American Disabilities Act should apply to web sites at this point as the internet is still a highly unregulated sector, as it should remain. But I do think that smart corporate CEOs will see the value in making sure they reach every person in their main market audience.