Accessibility and Social Informatics

Technological accessibility and universal design has become increasingly relevant in our digital society. Emerging technologies like the Internet have the potential to revolutionise society, transcend national boundaries and facilitate global communication (Russell, 2003). Technological developments have fuelled globalisation through the process recognised as time-space compression (Nair, 2002), where original barriers to communication such as nation states or cultures, can be lifted.

Despite this unparalleled communications revolution, the law has often struggled to encompass its ever-broadening boundaries and technological advancements. While there is a vast amount of interest in relation to regulation and the harnessing of any commercial interests, little attention has been paid to widening access. A so-called ‘digital divide’ has been recognised; the phenomenon of certain groups being left behind as new technology progresses (Russell, 2003).

The term ‘digital divide’ describes the socially divisive nature of unequal access to technology. A move towards an envisaged ‘Information Society’ (Russell 2003) can only be achieved if all citizens are given the opportunity to participate and reap the benefits of technological developments equally (Kokin, 2011). 

It has been recognised that certain parts of society - for example, ethnic minorities, women, physically handicapped people - are failing to harness the possibilities presented by access to technology (Craddock, 2003). The use of specific tailored software and hardware, and the community building nature of the Internet can, if desired and made accessible, greatly enrich the life of such users.

The social and cultural benefits of technology could transform the experience and status of a group of society which otherwise has the potential to be marginalised (Russell, 2003). With the correct technology, an individual can be connected to, not only vast swathes of information, be it erroneous or otherwise, but also a massive international network of enabled ‘netizens’, ready to communicate, interact and share ideas (Raman & Lee, 2005). In support of this proposition, Microsoft has even stated that: ‘Accessibility enables people of all abilities to realise their full potential. [Technology] should be accessible to people around the world – of all ages and abilities.’ (Microsoft Corporation, 2009)