The State of the Awareness of Web Accessibility Guidelines of Student Website and App Developers

Abstract

Websites and applications (apps) have become so ingrained in society, it is important that everyone, regardless of their disability, has equal access to websites and apps. However, Web accessibility continues to be an issue. One of the reasons often cited for inaccessible websites and apps is lack of training. Many developers are not educated, or even exposed, to accessibility guidelines in their college preparations. Thus, understanding the extent to which current student website and app developers are exposed to accessibility is a critical first step in determining how to increase their use of accessibility guidelines. This mixed method study is a first step to understand the awareness of Web accessibility guidelines of student website and app developers. The survey questions have been developed to understand student website and app developers’ education, experience, and perceptions of accessibility guidelines. The interview data collected has been used to explain the quantitative results and explore to narrow the gaps in the perceptions and implementation of accessibility guidelines.