Using a Data-Based Content Analysis to Determine How Well Community Colleges’ Disability Service Centers’ Websites Inform Their Users

College-bound students with disabilities (SWD) want to know what to expect from campus disability centers (DSC), and the DSC’s website may be the first contact point for those students. Yet DSCs seldom analyze their websites from a data-centric approach. Because of the potential impact of those websites, this study used a data-based content analysis of the DSC websites of a statewide community college system to identify information and interface patterns. Analysis criteria included campus and disability center demographics, services, content quality and quantity, website features, and accessibility. Findings revealed patterns and variations among the DSC websites such as center terminology and organizational structure, amount of information and guidance for stakeholders, uniqueness of website appearance, and lack of accessibility. In addition, the state’s other degree-granting systems’ DSC’s websites were compared with the study’s system’s websites. Several recommendations emerged, including the following: standardized website design and resource template, improved ADA accessibility, user input, and systematic data-driven website assessment. The study contributes to the field by providing benchmark assessment instruments and recommendation for disability-related policy.