The problem addressed by this study is the observed low levels of compliance with federal policy on website accessibility. The study examines the two key federal policies that promote website accessibility, using a side-by-side policy analysis technique. The analysis examines the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which together have the intent of establishing a legal mandate for equality regarding website accessibility. In comparing key aspects of these two policies, the findings indicate several areas were the policies were inconsistent or unclear in providing guidance on attaining accessible websites. The study performed an accessibility analysis that included automated testing, an expert review, and a content review of six federal health care websites. Recommendations call for the establishment of federal programs that would provide federal website managers with additional training in website accessibility, and provide support for ongoing research towards developing guidance and tools that would serve to promote websites that are more accessible. / A Dissertation submitted to the School of Library and Information Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy. / Spring Semester, 2012. / February 20, 2012. / Accessibility, compliance, disability, Healthcare, Section 508, Website / Includes bibliographical references. / Charles R. McClure, Professor Directing Dissertation; Stephen D. McDowell, University Representative; Paul F. Marty, Committee Member; Charles C. Hinnant, Committee Member.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_182785 |
| Contributors | Brobst, John L. (authoraut), McClure, Charles R. (professor directing dissertation), McDowell, Stephen D. (university representative), Marty, Paul F. (committee member), Hinnant, Charles C. (committee member), School of Library and Information Studies (degree granting department), Florida State University (degree granting institution) |
| Publisher | Florida State University, Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, text |
| Format | 1 online resource, computer, application/pdf |
| Rights | This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). The copyright in theses and dissertations completed at Florida State University is held by the students who author them. |
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