Home > High Speed Internet > Special Needs > Resources > Accessibility Legislature

Internet Accessibility Legislature

Designing flexible Web sites is important so that everyone can access and benefit from the Internet.  Improving Web accessibility is necessary for people with special needs to be able to access the Internet and reach the information they are looking for. 

Recognizing the Importance of Internet Accessibility

The Internet has become the most important portal to information today and the most integral part of Information and Communications Technology.  The explosion of the Internet’s success at such a rapid rate makes it important to be able to access it - for everybody.  People with special needs sometimes have difficulty. 

Because the government has realized the importance of Internet accessibility, rules and regulations have been made in order to adhere to Web functions - so that all members of society are able to access the Internet and reach the information they need.  People with disabilities and special needs sometimes have difficulty accessing certain Web sites, which can be fixed by improving the accessibility of the Web site. 

Legislature Rulings for Internet Accessibility

• The Telecommunications Act of 1996:  The Federal Communications Commission signed an act in February of 1996 making it necessary for manufacturers of telecommunications equipment, such as telephones, pagers, fax machines and computers, to make sure that their equipment is accessible and ready to use for everyone, including those with disabilities.  Guidelines for this act are given, which include criteria for accessibility, as well as some helpful tips on how to make products more accessible. 
• Rehabilitation Act, Section 504, of 1973:  The Department of Justice and the Department of Education instituted this act to assure that qualified individuals with disabilities will not be discriminated against.  Section 504 promotes the equal opportunities of those with disabilities and makes it unlawful to discriminate based on special needs. 
• Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, Section 508:  Section 508 states that the Federal government must be responsible for making sure that electronic and information technology is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.  This includes setting accessibility standards, and when necessary, supplying necessary equipment to ensure usability for those with special needs.  This law focuses on Federal Web pages.
• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990:  This act, also referred to as the ADA, requires that state and local governments and the business sector must provide effective communication to everyone when communicating over the Internet.  This means that alternative accessibility must be offered to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. 

So, while having an inaccessible site isn’t illegal yet or very closely monitored by government officials, making your Web site accessible to all people doesn’t take a lot of extra effort and can help you out in the long run.