The promise of municipal WiFi and failed policies of inclusion: The disability divide

Abstract

Wireless technologies, especially those deployed by municipalities, have been offered as one way to enhance access to society at large, including people with disabilities and others on the wrong side of the digital divide. One of the promises of municipal WiFi, is free or low-cost service promised in the public interest of citizens. This paper presents research on the current state of municipal wireless network design and policies with regard to people with disabilities in the United States. A comparative analysis was undertaken of a sample of 48 municipalities to ascertain the degree of accessibility to, or sensitivity of, municipal wireless systems, and three case studies were examined for the unforeseen effects of deploying municipal WiFi in different locations. Secondly, the effectiveness of goals toward eradicating the "disability divide" are analyzed to see if policies toward people with disabilities fair well as systems are deployed, and we discuss legal implications of municipal WiFi models. Because many people with disabilities are already affected by disparities in education and income, further marginalization of their communication and information access creates a greater barrier to their access to critical information needs, and participation in a community. -IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved 48 P.M.A. Baker et al. / The promise of municipal WiFi and failed policies of inclusion: The disability dividethe disabled, either in their homes or public places. A review of the literature suggests that few WiFi systems specifically address the disability community. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) mandates equal opportunity and benefit of municipal programs and services for people with disabilities [7], and as a matter of crafting equitable policy and legal compliance, it is important that the needs of people, particularly with disabilities, are considered.A lack of attention to the needs of the disability community, inefficiencies in policing compliance with Project Civic Access (PCA) guidelines, and the relative paucity of municipalities that have taken this population into consideration, may inadvertently further the digital divide. An unintended consequence of this oversight can exacerbate rather than remedy the problem of access for individuals with disabilities and undermine the fundamental objective of social inclusion in planning and executing municipal wireless systems. Furthermore, some models of muni WiFi implementation may prove to be in violation of the ADA.Mobile wireless technologies can deliver specialized information services in multiple formats for people with disabilities, offering enhanced employment opportunities, access to health care information and on-line services, emergency preparedness, and greater participation in a community. Access may be limited by a general lack of awareness of technologies or accessible options, as well as economic, technological and regulatory restrictions [13]. For individuals with disabilities, equal access to accessible content...

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