Title: Opportunities for IT developers in web accessibility/assistive technologies

Authors: Anushil

Addresses: Cognizant Technologies Solutions, Pune, D-2/1, Gera Emerald City, Dhankude Wasti, Off Pan Card Club Road, Baner-411045, India

Abstract: Successful global market penetration is dependent on expanding the definition of accessibility to include all segments of the population that can benefit from it - including the ageing, non-native language speakers, people with low literacy, novice IT users, and others. Accessibility has great potential both in terms of technical advancement and business value of a firm. The primary objective of this study is to identify how industry would gain considerable business edge by tapping into web accessibility technologies market. In this article, various studies conducted by research organisations like BCC Research, Forrester Research, etc., and recent accessibility litigations, legal enquiries, etc., are cited to identify the scope for web accessibility technologies. The study finally proposes to invest early in accessible technologies and accessibility consulting for technology firms.

Keywords: web accessibility; assistive technology; technology development; information technology; internet.

DOI: 10.1504/IJITCC.2012.048484

International Journal of Information Technology, Communications and Convergence, 2012 Vol.2 No.2, pp.171 - 186

Published online: 16 Aug 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article