Accessibility levels of Portuguese enterprise websites: equal opportunities for all?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Goncalves, R (Author) Other; Martins, J (Author) Other; Pereira, J (Author) Other; Manuel Oliveira (Author) FEUP; João José Pinto Ferreira (Author) FEUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: BEHAVIOUR & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Vol. 31

Pages: 659-677

ISSN: 0144-929X

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 24 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 26 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-G44

DOI: 10.1080/0144929x.2011.563802

Abstract (EN): Web accessibility is growing in importance. We may also find an increasing need for access to web resources by those with some sort of disability. The Web is very important for spreading information and for promoting interaction between the various elements in society. Given this, it is essential that the Web presents itself as a totally accessible resource, so that it can help citizens with disabilities and their integration in society. This obligation should be even greater for enterprises as primarily the Web is used as a marketing and business platform. With this document, we present indicators regarding the [lack of] accessibility levels of Portuguese enterprise websites. This article contains theoretical and background considerations as well as the results of two different studies that the research team undertook. First of all, the research team made a comparison between the 1000 largest Portuguese enterprises (annual sales volume) and the 1000 best Portuguese small and medium enterprises (sales growth and profit) using a specialised software tool and according to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 1.0; the research team then also considered WCAG 2.0 and its impact on enterprise Web accessibility. In the second study (qualitative in nature), focus group interactions led to a set of recommendations towards greater accessibility.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 19