WSJ, March 22, 2013 > Advocates for Blind, Deaf Say Netflix, Target Are Legally Obligated to Make Sites Easier to Navigate
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) , and the National Association of the Deaf have recently won legal challenges against Target Corp. and Netflix. Their contention is that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) implies a legal obligation for companies to make their websites as accessible as their stores. They are pressing firms to install the digital equivalent of wheel chair ramps and self-opening doors.
In the past the NFB has worked with eBay, Monster.cm, TiketMaster and Travelocity to make their websites more accessible to people with disabilities. It can't be any thing but good for business, even if the cost of retrofitting a corporate website can exceed 10% of total website cost (vs. 1-3% when phased in from the beginning). Other disagree.
If it is the intent of the NFB, and other advocacy groups, to require personal access to online businesses, is it too much of a stretch to expect that mobile communications device manufacturers will also be required to provide an interface for people with physical disabilities?
