challenges compared to other devices .
When it comes to information and communications technology , the FCC has a mandate to develop and implement regulations . Under its consumer guide , it outlines general accessibility requirements . One of the requirements states that , if achievable , manufacturers must make their hardware and software , including apps , accessible to people with disabilities .
While the FCC guide mentions apps , the conditional nature of the guide and the lack of specificity on what is achievable weakens the requirement .
The future of accessibility
Whether due to the high cost , lack of operating system mandatory requirements , government regulations or specific technical standards , current conditions present a challenge to accessibility of apps .
As a result , the ability of people with disabilities to use apps for transportation is negatively affected . It is inevitable that disability-related regulations will catch up to app technology and the world of apps will move towards more specific accessibility requirements .
In the meantime , developers would benefit from using available resources provided by Apple and Google , and using WCAG guidance to make apps accessible . It may also give them the opportunity to contribute to making a more inclusive digital environment .
This may help developers avoid potential ADA-related lawsuits , fines and expensive accessibility retrofitting , which may end up being more expensive than the initial cost of adding accessibility features .
This article was first published in The Conversation . Read the original article here .
Despite the availability of technology , many apps remain inaccessible , including for cost and lack of mandatory requirements and regulations .
~ Mahtot Gebresselassie
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