Factors explaining adoption and implementation processes for web accessibility standards within eGovernment systems and organizations

Abstract

Local government organizations such as municipalities often seem unable to fully adopt or implement web accessibility standards even if they are actively pursuing it. Based on existing adoption models, this study identifies factors in five categories that influence the adoption and implementation of accessibility standards for local government websites. Awareness of these factors is important for stakeholders adopting and implementing web accessibility standards. To further develop and understand these factors, this study has identified and interviewed experts in the field of (organizational) accessibility. This has led to an extension of the existing models. The extended model was then validated by interviews with key stakeholders. The outcome of this study places existing adoption models in a new context. The result is an adoption model that contributes better to explaining adoption and implementation processes within eGovernment systems and organizations. This adoption model aims to better help local governments in the identification of factors influencing the actual adoption and implementation of web accessibility standards in their situation. The model explains how factors in the different categories contribute to the adoption and implementation of web accessibility standards. The model may also be applicable to the adoption and implementation of other guidelines and (open) standards within local government.

An Evaluation of Ontario-Based Website Accessibility - A Comparison with US Findings

“…Despite widely agreed upon standards, studies confirm that many governments struggle with adoption and implementation of website accessibility. (Velleman, 2015) Although adoption usually takes place at high-levels of governments, the task of implementation often falls to local levels of government. A top-level to bottom-level study of government implementation in the EU found that, while commitments have contributed to more awareness among stakeholders, the actual implementation of accessibility standards is still behind the target set by EU adoption.…”

“…(European Union, 2012) In one study, the most significant barrier to adoption was identified as the perceived complexity of the WCAG guidelines. (Velleman, 2015) The second most significant barrier was identified as a lack of resources and technical capability. Top-level government adoption may involve the establishment of tools to allow lower levels of government to implement required changes.…”

“…The Ontario study did not address issues raised in For example, in the Netherlands the government uses a National Urgency Program to support municipalities in the process of implementing accessibility guidelines. (Velleman, 2015) Importantly, a unified approach across research on website accessibility is required advance this school of thought. The value of research into website accessibility is its ability to improve outcomes for all users.…”

The implementation of web accessibility standards by Dutch municipalities : factors of resistance and support

“…In an exploratory study, Velleman et al (Velleman, Nahuis, & Geest, 2015) identified a list of factors derived from the literature and interviews that influence the adoption and implementation of web accessibility standards (Figure 3.3). The study looked into the importance of factors influencing adoption, factors related to the design process, factors related to the organizational structure, external factors like rules and legislation and personal factors.…”

“…With regard to awareness and knowledge, authors also address indicators like perceived benefits, cost-benefit, network externalities and observability. Many authors address the 'perceived benefits' of an innovation as an indicator for success (Abdelgawad et al, 2010;Martínez, De Andrés, & García, 2014;Miller, Hickson, & Wilson, 2008;Nambisan & Wang, 2000;Rowley, 2011;Velleman et al, 2015;. Regarding web accessibility implementation, this means that the organization should make sure that stakeholders are aware of the benefits of implementing the standards as opposed to not implementing them.…”