Research reports that the search for health information is the fourth most popular activity being done on the web (Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2004). However, for disabled persons, barriers experienced when interfacing with the Internet may cause healthcare websites to be inaccessible to them. This study explores the level of accessibility of healthcare websites and the relationship between accessibility and usability by determining how compliant state department of health and human services websites are with accessibility and usability guidelines. A content analysis of each state’s department of health and human services website was conducted. Results revealed that state department of health and human services websites are not very compliant with accessibility guidelines, are somewhat compliant with usability guidelines, and overall are not very accessible. The findings also indicate that there is a significant moderate relationship between accessibility and usability which suggests that the two concepts are interconnected.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 took effect in 2001 and provides encouragement for universal design and compliance requirements to the federal sector for purchases that are accessible by people with disabilities. A division of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (GDAIS) is located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and provides electronic and information technology solutions to federal customers in the defense, intelligence, and homeland security communities. The general lack of training is a major factor for low compliance to Section 508. Improving awareness is important at GDAIS in order to increase its federal sales market share, develop new products and services, transfer technology to other fields, and support a global market for users with different human conditions. The study aimed to implement a computer-based training program for design engineers and managers within GDAIS to foster universal design skills and increase accessibility awareness. The four-level model created by Donald L. Kirkpatrick was utilized to evaluate the training. Survey, test, and interview instruments were designed to evaluate the reaction, learning, and behavior of the participants. An expert panel provided validation and reliability of the instruments. A case study methodology was used to analyze Section 508 compliance in depth for four months. Also analyzed were the possible effects of the training on the engineering design, the organization both financial and cultural, and the individual. Learning of the standards and universal design concepts through better application of usability and accessibility features were improved. While the training did improve compliance slightly, there was a lack of Section 508 inclusion within solicitations. The organizational culture to support the disabled community showed a possibility of improving through awareness and education.

The main goal of this thesis is a comparison of tools used for web page accessibility evaluation, mainly their ability to find an accessibility issues defined in US law Section 508 paragraph § 1194.22 Web-based intranet and internet information and applications. A new web page created for the tool analysis, which contains accessibility issues described in paragraph § 1194.22, has been used to evaluate how many issues the tool can find. Based on the analysis results every tool is scored and the final ranks are decided. The results of the analysis and the final ranks are the main outcome of this thesis. The theoretical part of the thesis describes accessibility in detail and introduces the main dissabilities affecting their ability to use computers. A detailed description of all Section 508 rules is present as well. It consists of translation of every rule into czech language, short description of the rule's meaning and points when the rule is met. The practical part describes the test web page, analysis proces and results in detail.

Today's classroom is evolving on a myriad of levels. As class size increases, learning space decreases and diversity extremes are introduced, yet educators must use materials that address all types oflearners. The specific needs of students as well as the varied skills required for mastery on state standardized tests require educators, children and parents to look towards technology for answers. This study attempts to contribute a view of new educationally based e-merging technology being presented for use in the elementary education classroom. This study also looks at the Section 508 Compliance and its role in utilizing technology to make information available for all. The Section 508 Compliance relates to all government funded materials and their ability to be accessed and utilized by the public. With the United States increasingly diverse population and implementation of inclusion in classrooms, we have a noteworthy amount of students and educators who could benefit from this technology. Specifically, this study examines how diverse classrooms and students' individual needs are to be met with technology and that this technology will be employed with the Section 508 Compliance. As a nation we need to better prepare our future generations with a sturdy foundation of skills and tools to allow our students to excel in the learning and working environment. By showcasing the needs of children, the laws enacted, and the technology resources to educate, this thesis provides the reader with a global perspective on integrating technology and instruction for all students. Enforcing the Section 508 Compliance so that e-businesses must comply with technology-based innovations that will allow educators the resources to benefit all learners.

The subject matter of this project is accessibility of web pages and possibilities of its automated validation. This thesis defines what web accessibility really is and identifies what disabilities can users of the Internet suffer from. The main goal is to analyse and to compare current web accessibility rules valid in the USA, in the European Union and in the Czech Republic and to research existing validators as well. The tools are divided into the following categories: Online tools, toolbars and desktop applications. The output of this project is in form of specification and implementation of a new validation tool.