Increasing the Accessibility of Technology in your business

It is unlikely that electronic resources in businesses will be accessible to customers and employees with disabilities without the establishment of specific policies and procedures. As technology applications become ubiquitous, an ad hoc approach to accessibility becomes increasingly less effective.

Businesses can follow the leadership of the federal government in being proactive in making their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. In its document Information Technology and People with Disabilities: The Current State of Federal Accessibility, the U.S. Department of Justice recommends that federal agencies discontinue an ad hoc approach.

Use of an "ad hoc" or "as needed" approach to IT accessibility will result in barriers for persons with disabilities. A much better approach is to integrate accessibility reviews into the earliest stages of design, development, and procurement of IT.

How can businesses begin the process of increasing accessibility?

• Develop a vision and statement that commits your business to making all programs, services, and resources accessible to people with disabilities.
• Get the right people involved, including a top-down commitment within the business, but also consider creating an "accessibility team" from within and possibly with outside experts, including people with disabilities, to test, give feedback, and guide the process.
• Determine and understand your legal obligations to have accessible technology, which may be different based on your business clients, state laws, or other factors. For example, some businesses have faced legal action for not making their Web sites accessible. Not complying with accessibility requirements can result in significant legal costs and have negative impact on the business's reputation.
• Define your standards to measure and monitor accessibility progress. Consider Section 508 standards used by the federal government as a model for standards.
• Establish policies and processes across different areas of the business, including procurement, use, and development of electronic and information technology. Consider how accessibility issues might be incorporated within existing policies and procedures.
• Develop a plan for implementation, including dissemination and enforcement.
• Keep a consistent focus and remain flexible through changes!