What is Accessibility?

What comes to mind when you hear the term "digital accessibility?" For many, it's something they can't define or have never encountered. Digital accessibility is the practice of making digital platforms usable for everyone, regardless of their ability levels. 

Research Goals

This research project utilizes several methods to address specific hindrances that make digital accessibility harder for people to implement. While our approaches aim to address the general population, some research initiatives emphasize specifically promoting digital accessibility concepts to small businesses from Northumberland, Union, and Snyder counties. By targeting the legal, business, and human challenges that come with digital accessibility promotion, people will be more prepared and willing to utilize digital accessibility in their endeavors. 

Methods & Approach

This research project employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate current educational models for digital accessibility and to examine perceptions of digital accessibility among rural businesses in Union, Snyder, and Northumberland  counties. The study aimed to identify gaps in knowledge and expertise related to digital accessibility while exploring the implications of federal regulations on digital accessibility requirements for businesses.

Research Design and Data Collection

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two key groups:

Digital Accessibility Specialists - To gain expert insights into existing educational frameworks and challenges in implementing digital accessibility standards.

Business Owners and Consumers in Rural Pennsylvania -  To understand their perceptions, experiences, and challenges regarding digital accessibility, particularly in underserved rural areas.

The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the qualitative data analysis platform Dedoose. This platform facilitated the identification of common themes and patterns, enabling the exploration of correlations between knowledge gaps and implementation challenges faced by businesses.

Document Analysis

To comprehend the impact of federal regulations on digital accessibility requirements, a comprehensive review of relevant legal documents and policy changes was conducted. This included an analysis of:

Federal Accessibility Guidelines -  Such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Proposed Legislative Changes -  To evaluate potential future implications for digital accessibility compliance among rural businesses.

Insights gained from this legal analysis informed the development of digital accessibility audits and recommendations tailored to the needs of rural businesses in Pennsylvania.

Digital Accessibility Audits and Advisory Sessions

Under the guidance of Professor Ross, digital accessibility audits were conducted for select rural businesses. These audits evaluated the current state of digital accessibility in websites and digital platforms, focusing on:

• Compliance with WCAG standards

• User experience for individuals with disabilities

• Technical barriers and potential solutions

Advisory sessions were then held to provide customized recommendations for improving digital accessibility. During these sessions, observations were recorded on:

• Points of confusion or resistance encountered by business owners

• Challenges in understanding or implementing digital accessibility best practices

Ethical Considerations

All participants provided informed consent prior to interviews and advisory sessions. Data confidentiality was maintained, ensuring anonymity and secure storage of transcripts and legal documents. The study adhered to ethical guidelines established by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Bucknell University.

Research Limitations & Future Considerations 

This study focuses on rural businesses in three counties in Pennsylvania, which may limit the generalizability of findings to other regions or urban contexts. Additionally, the evolving nature of digital accessibility legislation could influence the relevance of legal insights over time. Since the timing of this research (Summer '24), the United States has released the comprehensive digital accessibility tool ANDI. 

This methodological approach provides a comprehensive understanding of digital accessibility challenges within rural business contexts while contributing to the development of more effective educational models and compliance strategies.

Personal Reflection

Working with Professor Ross and the Mozilla Foundation was an extremely rewarding process. 

From a more technical standpoint, this project enabled me to refine my qualitative research skills, using programs like Dedoose to organize research data. I learned how to check compliance for vital accessibility concepts like alt-text, color contrast, etc - earning the title of Accessibility Consultant. When the scope of my research expanded to consider legislation, I practiced interpreting and translating legislation (i.e; ADA Accessibility Standards) for specific demographics (small businesses in rural PA). 

While I could conceptualize digital accessibility, I only began to understand the concept & the many ways digital accessibility impacts everyone as I began my research. This field of study ensures that principles of equity & inclusion are prioritized in our designs and coding practices. I know the lessons I've learned from this experience will carry over into my future projects and make me a more holistic student & worker.