Celebrating Meagan Griffith’s Impact on Advancing Web Accessibility Through Groundbreaking Research

26 Apr 2024

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news about one of our esteemed web accessibility specialists, Meagan Griffith. Meagan’s pioneering research paper, “Quantifying the Cost of Web Accessibility Barriers for Blind Users,” has been recognized in a significant way—it is included in the Final Regulatory Impact Analysis for the latest updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II. This is a monumental achievement, not only for Meagan but for the entire field of web accessibility.

Check out her research paper!

Meagan’s Contribution to ADA Title II

Meagan’s research provides critical insights into the challenges faced by blind users navigating the web. By effectively quantifying these challenges, she has opened up a new perspective for regulators, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive web design practices. Her work is featured prominently on page 119 of the Benefit-Cost Analysis document, a testament to the impact of her findings on national policy.

The document itself is part of a broader effort to update and strengthen ADA regulations, ensuring that web accessibility standards are not only up to date but also rooted in concrete data and real-world experiences of users with disabilities. Meagan’s research has been instrumental in guiding these updates, serving as a key piece of evidence that informed the final regulations.

A Milestone for the Community

This inclusion is not just a personal milestone for Meagan but also a significant recognition for the web accessibility community. It underscores the importance of research in shaping policies that directly affect the lives of millions of users with disabilities. By addressing the financial implications of web inaccessibility, Meagan’s work helps pave the way for more justified, data-driven decisions in the realm of digital accessibility standards.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded of the continuous journey towards a more accessible internet. Meagan’s research is a beacon that guides our ongoing efforts, and her success is a call to action for all of us at Accessible Web and beyond. We are inspired to further our mission, encouraged by how tangible research outcomes can influence and enhance legislative frameworks.

Congratulations, Meagan, on your outstanding contribution to the field of web accessibility. Your work not only advances our understanding but also facilitates real change in how digital spaces are designed and regulated. We are proud to have you as a part of our team and look forward to your future endeavors, which will undoubtedly continue to inspire and impact the community.

For those interested in reading the full report and seeing Meagan’s research in context, please visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s ADA website and the Benefit-Cost Analysis document.

Here’s to many more achievements, Meagan!