COAT advocates for accessibility and usability of technology for people with disabilities. Enacting the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (21st CVAA) was a huge step forward and we are working to implement this new law. COAT’s overall aim is to ensure accessibility, usability, and affordability of all broadband, wireless, and Internet technologies for people with disabilities.
FCC Data Show 39 Percent of Americans Without Broadband Have Disability
On February 23, 2010, the FCC released the results of a consumer survey, Broadband Adoption & Use in America, that found affordability and lack of digital skills are the main reasons why 93 million -- or one third of the country (!) -- are not connected to high speed Internet at home. The survey found that 39 percent of all Americans without broadband have some type of disability. COAT was pleased to see that this survey included questions about people with disabilities and used the updated American Community Survey (ACS) questions. Page 38 of the report focuses on disability.
The survey noted the narrower scope of online activities conducted by people with disabilities. The report hypothesized that this may reflect difficulties some people with disabilities have in using the devices to get online or interacting with Web pages. The report also stated that barriers for not having broadband for people with disabilities do not differ significantly from the average and include affordability, digital literacy and (ir)relevance.
The report discusses "non adopters" of broadband in four categories -- "Near Converts," "Digital Hopefuls," "Digitally Uncomfortable," and "Digitally Distant."
Are people with disabilities among "the Digital Hopefuls" or "Digitally Distant"? Add Comment below.
Full Report of telephone survey of 5,005 Americans, conducted by Brookings Institution in October & November 2009.
Closed Caption button on remote.