Delaware Department of
Technology & Information


Delaware Department of Technology & Information



Digital Accessibility


Man typing on a laptop.

Digital adoption was flourishing prior to COVID-19, but we are now seeing a further increasing need to provide accessible technology to all Delawareans.  Technology provides key and timely information, planning platforms to keep communities safe, and mitigates long-term challenge recovery.  Ensuring accessibility is of more importance during pandemics and other crises.

Digital transformation has the power to create a more inclusive society for marginalized groups. It also comes with the risk of increasing disparities for those same groups if they are not given equitable access.

Removing barriers for persons with disabilities to ensure access to digital content is imperative and the State of Delaware is moving forward with digital accessibility efforts through an investment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. In coordination with the Office of the Governor and Department of State Government Information Center (GIC), the Department of Technology and Information (DTI) has developed a multi-year plan to improve inclusiveness and access to digital government services.

Phase 1 Strategy

Delaware will be partnering with Level Access to:

  • Build a statewide accessibility strategy and program
  • Automate testing across our digital portfolio
  • Assess priority websites to fast-track remediation
  • Develop third party contracting policies
  • Launch a statewide accessibility education program to raise awareness and train developers/designers on how to spot issues/maintain compliance.

Digital Accessibility
Coordinator

The Digital Accessibility Coordinator will lead Delaware’s efforts to assess digital content (websites, forms, etc.) and recommend steps for remediation to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 508 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act (ensuring Information Technology that is developed, procured, or maintained is accessible to persons with disabilities).

Accessibility
Timeline

2021 Q2-Q4 2021

  • Global Accessibility Awareness Day Proclamation
  • Applied/Approved for ARPA

2022 Q1-Q2

  • Draft/Review of Accessibility Policy & Standards
  • Engagement with Potential Vendors

2022 Q3-Q4

  • Hiring of Digital Accessibility Senior Manager
  • Formalize Policy & Standards
  • Outreach To Agency IT Teams to Discuss Current/Upcoming Projects
  • Launch Training

2023 Q1-Q2

  • Begin Remediation

 

* Digital accessibility efforts will be ongoing


Norman Jester, Digital Accessibility Coordinator
(302) 739-9832
DTI_Digital_Accessibility@Delaware.gov

For more information, go to accessibility.dti.delaware.gov.


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