Evaluating the accessibility of E-government websites in the United States: empirical evidence and insights
摘要
The proliferation of the internet and mobile technology has significantly reshaped how governments deliver services to their citizens. E-government initiatives enable citizens to conveniently access government services online while maintaining transparency and ensuring seamless communication and compatibility between different government systems. Due to the monopolistic nature of government services, it is extremely important that all individuals, regardless of their visual, cognitive, and hearing abilities, have fair and unhindered access to these vital services. Research suggests that a majority of e-government websites globally fail to meet the accessibility standards outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This study investigates the compliance of US e-government websites to WCAG accessibility criteria. We evaluate the accessibility of 64 e-government websites from various departments against WCAG standards. Our findings emphasize the importance of integrating accessibility features during the website development process to achieve universal accessibility and ensure a user-friendly experience for all citizens. This emphasis on accessibility during development is critical to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can easily use and navigate these online platforms.