WASHINGTON—The U.S. Justice Department recently announced a final rule clarifying state and local governments' obligations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to make their websites and mobile applications accessible for people with disabilities.
In response to this development, ITIF Vice President Daniel Castro emphasized the importance of the new rule, stating, "This new rule is an important step forward in creating a more inclusive digital society." Castro further highlighted the critical need for state and local governments to ensure full accessibility of their online platforms for individuals with disabilities, noting that "many government services do not yet meet this standard."
Castro stressed the urgency for state and local governments to act promptly in updating their online services to align with global standards for web accessibility. He pointed out that in previous testing, it was found that "two out of five state government websites were not accessible."
The announcement regarding the ADA rule underscores the principle that people with disabilities should have equal access to government services online. Castro urged swift action from state and local governments to comply with these regulations and make necessary adjustments to enhance accessibility.
The ITIF Vice President's call for improved accessibility in government services reflects a broader movement toward creating a more inclusive digital environment for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
