Municipal WiFi and policy implications for people with disabilities

Access to information and communication nodes, wireless or otherwise, has become critical for full participation in contemporary US society, especially, for those with disabilities, the aging, or for those with other functional limitations. Wireless technologies, notably those deployed by municipalities, are being offered as one way to enhance 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. In particular, the Americans with Disabilities Act's goals for the elimination of physical and communication barriers that prevent the disabled from participating in community life are examined through the guidelines established by Project Civic Access (PCA). A survey and comparative analysis was undertaken of a sample of 48 municipalities to ascertain the degree of accessibility to, or sensitivity of municipal wireless systems. Secondly, the effectiveness of goals toward eradicating the "disability divide" are analyzed to see if policies toward the disabled fair well as systems are deployed. Although many cities have entered into PCA compliance agreements we find that they are not necessarily going beyond the specific scope of the agreement, and in fact, the disabled are often further marginalized as large-scale systems undergo modifications throughout deployment. Because many of these people are already affected by disparities in education and income, the further marginalization of their communication and information constitutes a barrier to social inclusion within a community.