How Effective Are Web Accessibility Regulations?

Abstract

Equitable access to the web is a critical element of the Right to Life affirmed by the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD). In response to signing the CRPD, nations from all around the world have enacted web accessibility legislation to eliminate discrimination and to ensure equity of access to the web for people with disabilities. This research aims to understand the scope and maturity of accessibility regulations worldwide and their enforcement. Since the CRPD came into existence in 2008, governments throughout the world have passed or revised their laws guaranteeing disabled people's civil liberties and full participation in society, including full and equal use of information and communications technologies. But a fundamental question that remains is whether such regulations are effective in holding businesses or even governments liable for their violations. Examining a sample of countries across six regions of the world the paper underlines the need for more related action from governments to ensure full participation for people with disabilities in the digital economy.