Senator Tammy Duckworth joined Senator Bob Casey in introducing a bill aimed at improving accessibility to federal technology for people with disabilities. The bill, titled the Accessible and Connected Government Act, seeks to address the barriers that individuals with disabilities face when accessing government websites, applications, and other digital platforms.
Under the proposed legislation, federal agencies would be required to follow accessibility standards set forth by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, ensuring that their digital content is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. Additionally, federal agencies would be required to conduct regular audits of their websites and digital services to identify and address any accessibility issues.
Senator Duckworth emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to government services and information, stating that “our government services must be accessible to everyone, regardless of disability.” She highlighted the significant impact that inaccessible technology can have on people with disabilities, limiting their ability to access vital information and services.
The bill has garnered support from various disability advocacy organizations, including the National Federation of the Blind and the American Council of the Blind. These organizations have praised the efforts of Senators Duckworth and Casey in championing accessibility for individuals with disabilities and advocating for their rights to access government technology.
Overall, the Accessible and Connected Government Act represents a step towards greater inclusivity and equality for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they have the same opportunities to engage with government services and information as their non-disabled counterparts. If passed, this legislation would mark a significant advancement in making federal technology more accessible and user-friendly for all individuals.
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