Institutionalizing Universal Design: Ηow Οrganizational Practices Can Promote Web Accessibility

Abstract

This article examines organizational practices for ensuring that web content is designed to be usable by everyone – i.e., universal design – and accessible for persons with disabilities. Qualitative data from a case study of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) demonstrates that barriers exist, which prevent persons with disabilities from using the web content produced by NRK. The results further demonstrate that although editorial employees at NRK have some awareness and knowledge of universal design and web accessibility principles, requirements and techniques, organizational practices including reporting, communication and training constrain opportunities for promoting and ensuring universal design and web accessibility.