Candidate: Robert J. Sobie

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Public Affairs and Administration

Title: Electronic Government Accessibility for People with Visual Impairments

Committee: Dr. Matthew Mingus, Chair
Dr. Robert McConnell
Dr. Jennipher Wiebold

Date: Friday, May 19, 2006, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Walwood Commons, Walwood Hall

Abstract: Electronic access to government information and services, by citizens, continues to enjoy an expansionary phase that improves the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery. This expansionary phase holds a prominent place in service delivery strategic planning as governments address the challenges caused by increased fiscal pressures and greater accountability. At all levels of government, actions have been taken to expand service offerings available in electronic formats, to provide convenient access for the citizenry while reducing operational costs associated with each service transaction.

Minimal research has been conducted to discover potential barriers preventing people with visual impairments from accessing electronic delivery of government information and services over the Internet, accessed through an official website.

This study consists of a cross-sectional survey of 472 local governments in Michigan. Fifty-six local governments responded to the survey. The results indicated that 100% of respondents have accessibility errors programmed into their official home pages. A key factor related to the number of accessibility errors present on home pages is the work experience of government, or contractual, employees responsible for web design and development. Subordinate web pages, linked to an official home page, demonstrate similar number of accessibility errors suggesting errors are prevalent throughout entire websites.

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