Shifting to a Culture of Inclusion by Design: Applying a Mixed-Methods Approach to Advance Accessibility of Public Health Emergency Information & Communication Technology

Authors

Jessica L. Franks, Georgia State UniversityFollow
Erin Vinoski ThomasFollow

Abstract

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience inequities in access to timely, accurate, and understandable information and communication technology (ICT), which increases risk for public health emergency (PHE)-related health disparities and impedes opportunities to achieve optimal health. This study assessed federal COVID-19 webpage accessibility levels and explored existing knowledge of and experience with filing accessibility complaints for federal ICT among adults with IDD. Through a mixed-methods approach, we evaluated compliance with accessibility standards for 18 federal agencies’ COVID-19 webpages (study 1) and interviewed 16 adults with IDD about experiences accessing federal webpages and filing accessibility complaints (study 2). We analyzed the study 1 data using an automated accessibility testing tool, which flagged 3,004 potential accessibility issues across the cumulative sample, with the U.S. Department of Defense webpages exhibiting the most flags. We used reflexive thematic analysis in study 2 to identify three major cross-cutting themes and subthemes: (1) technological accessibility barriers (subthemes: plain language, page structure and assistive technology compatibility, timeliness); (2) structural, systemic, and institutional accessibility barriers (subthemes: agency responsiveness, community advocacy); and (3) areas for improvement (subthemes: efficiency, prioritization of adults with IDD). This research underscores the need for greater inclusion of adults with IDD through development and dissemination processes to ensure accessible ICT for all. Integrated findings from both studies generated six recommendations related to (1) plain language and simplified data, (2) inclusive ICT development, (3) centralized accessibility information on webpages, (4) accessible formatting for diverse IDDs and assistive technologies, (5) timely and informative follow-up, and (6) updated legislation that evolves with advancing technology. Achieving a fully accessible and inclusive society to advance health equity requires fundamental shifts in how the public health field approaches the concept of disability and recognizes the positive health impact of inclusion for the whole community.

Plain Language Summary

Adults with disabilities may find it harder to stay safe in public health emergencies. Webpages must be accessible to everyone to prevent poor health. This research used two studies. The first study tested accessibility of 18 federal webpages about COVID-19. There were 3,004 total errors. The Department of Defense had the most errors. The second study asked 16 adults with disabilities how they use webpages and how they file accessibility complaints. Participants faced barriers because webpages were not in plain language or did not work with assistive technologies. Participants did not always feel heard by agencies. This points to the need for better accessibility and disability inclusion that will improve health. We offer ways to improve webpage accessibility, such as better organization, understanding the needs of adults with disabilities, and ensuring disability inclusion.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Franks, Jessica L. and Vinoski Thomas, Erin () "Shifting to a Culture of Inclusion by Design: Applying a Mixed-Methods Approach to Advance Accessibility of Public Health Emergency Information & Communication Technology," Developmental Disabilities Network Journal: Vol. 5: Iss. 1, Article 7.
DOI: 10.59620/2694-1104.1119
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/ddnj/vol5/iss1/7