app development processes are currently set up , the cost of developing apps with accessibility service features is more expensive than those without such features .
The cost of developing an app depends on the quality of the app and the number of features it includes , with additional features resulting in higher costs . It could also take a long time depending on the complexity of the app .
While having additional features such as accessibility services can give apps the opportunity to reach more users , the cost can be a deterrent , especially for entities without the association with big companies such as Uber and Lyft .
There are various types of disabilities and corresponding needs . The inclusion of features that address multiple disabilities in one app might also add to the complexity and cost .
Recognizing the challenge posed by responding to multiple disability needs in advanced communications services and equipment , the U . S . Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) — that implements and enforces communications law and regulations — states that “ every feature and function of every device or service does not need to be accessible for every disability .”
Operating system providers
Developers distribute apps on Google ’ s Android and Apple ’ s iOS operating systems via their app stores , Google Play and the App Store , respectively . Android and iOS provide accessibility guidelines , resources and codes for the developers .
Apple and Google also provide built-in accessibility features such as text-to-voice conversion options — an app that offers a voice option for real-time transit information is accessible to a person with visual impairment .
While Apple has more accessible services than Google , Google makes clear that the company ’ s built-in features do not meet all disability needs . Google encourages app developers to use its available technology to create additional accessibility features for their apps .
However , we found that many of the transportation-related smartphone apps that we reviewed in our study were without accessibility features . Part of the problem has to do with the fact these guidelines are suggestions , rather than mandatory requirements to which developers need to comply .
Regulating recent advancements
When the U . S congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) in 1990 , it was meant to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in various areas including transportation , services and telecommunication . As it currently stands , the ADA does not specifically apply to recent technological advancements such as smartphone apps .
There is no specific regulation that pertains even to website content other than an application of “ general nondiscrimination and effective communication provisions .”
The U . S . Department of Justice encourages the use of technical standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ( WCAG ) to make websites accessible . WCAG also lacks specific standards for smartphone apps , but it provides comprehensive guidance that does not set requirements on how to apply their existing website standards to smartphone apps .
WCAG makes clear three things : ( 1 ) Not all guidance applies to smartphones ; ( 2 ) Informative guidance does not address all disability needs ; and ( 3 ) Mobile devices have different accessibility
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