The Great Plains ADA Center, in addition to providing information, training, and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act, conducts research to better understand accessibility barriers and develop practical solutions that support full participation in community life.
Our current research (2021–2026) focuses on two areas that significantly affect people with disabilities:
• Digital accessibility – examining barriers individuals encounter when using websites and online platforms operated by small businesses.
• Healthcare accessibility – identifying obstacles to accessing medical offices and healthcare facilities.
We use a combination of rigorous empirical research and design-focused methods to understand real-world barriers and to guide the development of accessible products, services, and environments.
Research Study: Identifying Barriers to Web Accessibility for Small Business
Small businesses make up more than 99% of all businesses in the four states that make up the Great Plains ADA Center (IA, KS, MO, NE). Most now have a digital presence—about two-thirds have websites, and nearly all of those are mobile-friendly. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, reliance on digital tools has only increased. Yet studies show a persistent problem: most people encountering accessibility barriers never report them, and nearly 70% of users with access needs simply leave the site.
Purpose:
This project examines the most common accessibility barriers found on small business websites and explores why these issues persist. We aim to identify:
- The most frequent WCAG 2.0 Level A, AA accessibility failures on small business sites
- The challenges and misconceptions small business owners face when trying to improve accessibility
- The website platforms and tools most commonly used for building and maintaining these sites
Findings:
The findings will help clarify the real-world barriers to accessible web design in the small business community and identify practical, achievable strategies to reduce them. Our ultimate goal is to support small businesses in creating digital spaces that work better for everyone—customers, employees, and the community at large.
Research Study: Identifying Barriers to Health Care Facility Visits for People with Disabilities
Across the Great Plains region, more than 600 hospitals and health care facilities serve millions of patients each year. Research continues to show that when physical spaces are not accessible, the quality of care can suffer — from delayed treatment to missed appointments to unsafe examination conditions.
Purpose:
This project explores how accessible health care facilities truly are for people with disabilities and where the most common barriers still occur. We will:
- Assess how well facilities follow the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
- Identify accessibility issues in five key areas highlighted in previous studies:
- Routes to the facility, transportation options, and parking
- Building entrances and public waiting areas
- Interior design and ergonomic factors inside provider offices
- Availability and accessibility of examination equipment
- Non-physical barriers that affect the overall visit experience
Findings:
The findings will help shape practical tools—such as design guidelines, checklists for caregivers and patients, and improved information on health care websites—to make visits easier, safer, and more predictable. Ultimately, this research supports better patient experiences and more equitable access to health care across the region.