Accessibility
The digital accessibility revolution: Why states are taking the lead
COMMENTARY | While the federal government lacks comprehensive guidelines, states are the primary policymakers and are making organizations think again about digital inclusion.
How Philadelphia incentivizes residents to sharpen their digital skills
The city’s Digital Navigators Program can help residents more effectively leverage city resources and improve their employment prospects, one official says.
Straight to the top: new nonstop elevators to speed subway accessibility coverage
The J/Z’s Woodhaven Boulevard station in Queens is the first stop in the system where elevators bypass an existing turnstile level and deposit riders directly at the platform.
Feds offer help complying with website accessibility rule
A toolkit from the Department of Justice called on governments to understand the rule, work out when they need to comply, train staff and identify content that needs to be changed.
‘Optionality’ could be the key to better customer experience, experts say
As digital advances have prompted state agencies to innovate their benefits systems, experts say officials should first consider what residents want.
States’ housing assistance sites get a ‘human-centered’ makeover
Based on feedback from homeless shelter residents, federal officials have worked to improve housing webpages for all 50 states over the past year. The site updates launched late last month.
6 considerations for states’ digital accessibility roadmaps
COMMENTARY | The Department of Justice’s final rule on website accessibility is now in effect. Governments must act now to develop a strategy.
How one state is expanding language access for UI applications
New Jersey has released training materials that can help agencies improve Spanish translations of government resources and services using artificial intelligence.
New fellowship program looks to help policymakers improve civic tech
The initiative will provide state and local governments insights on how to improve online tools and services for their residents.
How matchmaking can address two housing needs
As America’s population rapidly ages and housing costs soar, some states are playing matchmaker and matching young people in need of affordable housing with older adults with room to spare.
Featured eBooks
For equal access, consider both physical and digital accessibility
COMMENTARY | Features such as clear navigation, readable text and multimedia alternatives improve the customer experience for everyone, leading to higher levels of satisfaction, engagement and trust.
Prioritization key to prep for website accessibility rule
Now that the Department of Justice has issued a final rule to make government websites accessible for people with disabilities, states and localities have to start implementing it. Here’s how.
‘Invisible’ no more: States move to hire people with disabilities
Tapping potential employees with “non-apparent” conditions like autism, attention deficit disorder and chronic depression can bring qualified candidates to a public sector workforce in desperate need of talent.
Feds move to make gov websites more accessible to people with disabilities
It’s the first time the federal government has ever issued rules clarifying how the more than 30-year-old Americans with Disabilities Act applies online. But the new rules come with a hefty price tag for state and local governments.
Transportation must adapt to an aging population and a changing climate
COMMENTARY | State and local leaders have an unprecedented opportunity to deliver mobility solutions that work better for everyone.
The 15-minute city is a popular planning approach, but relies on ableist assumptions
COMMENTARY | The 15-minute city relies on residents’ abilities to walk and bike. But what what if a resident’s body doesn’t walk or bike in what is considered a normative sense?
Feds calls on states to reevaluate unemployment benefit accessibility
Access to unemployment has been declining and differs drastically across demographic groups. The Labor Department is urging states and territories to do something about it in new guidance.
City puts accessibility at the forefront of disability data
Philadelphia’s disability map can help policymakers deliver more inclusive and accessible services for those living with disabilities.
States grapple with impacts of medical debt
With so many adults struggling with unpaid medical bills, states are taking steps to protect consumers from the negative financial impacts of hospital debt.
Survey: Residents want local governments to be more transparent
The vast majority of respondents want an accessible website with easy to access information and mobile tech to make it easier to engage with local agencies, according to a government technology company.
