Accessibility in Municipal Wireless Networks: System Implementation, Policy, and Potential Barriers for People with Disabilities

Paul M.A. Baker, Ph.D, AICP, and Avonne Bell, MSPP
Center for Advanced Communication Policy (CACP)
Georgia Institute of technology
paul.baker@gatech.edu

 “Mobile Communication: Bringing Us Together or Tearing Us Apart?”

ABSTRACT

Access to information and communication nodes, wireless or otherwise, has become critical for full participation in contemporary US society, especially, for those with disabilities or other functional limitations. Wireless technologies, notably those deployed by municipalities, are being offered as one way to increase general connectivity and access to society at large, including those who have been on the wrong side of the digital divide. This research aims to provide insight into the current state of municipal wireless network design and policies with regards to people with disabilities in the United States.  A survey and comparative analysis was undertaken of a sample of 48 municipalities to ascertain the degree of accessibility to, or sensitivity to (in the case of systems under development) municipal wireless networks. The second component of this is to ascertain whether external policy instruments, in this case a Department of Justice compliance program – Project Civic Access (PCA), can impact the accessibility of these networks. The survey was conducted of the project websites and online documentation (including secondary sources) of all the projects within the population. The results of this research indicate that the existence of external accessibility policy mechanism, in this case, a stipulated agreement under Project Civic Access (PCA), can be positively associated with some sensitivity towards disadvantaged populations. However, there is a general lack of awareness or even recognition of individuals with disabilities as a group that faces barriers to digital inclusion. Although these cities have entered into accessibility compliance agreements we find that they are not necessarily going beyond the specific scope of the agreement. The results also show that, in general, municipal wireless projects are not considering all components of the digital divide within their communities.