Accessibility

Larger jurisdictions have until April 24 to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which means building accessibility into digital public services is no longer just a matter of best practice.

The Department of Information Resources Governing Board has passed rule changes expected to guide how state agencies handle AI oversight, data governance assessments and digital accessibility.

Grammar Laboratory, a new tool developed by an ASL instructor at Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf, uses the live feedback capabilities of AI to personalize English lessons.

The state will widen its use of an American Sign Language app across all agencies and buildings, in an effort to bring new levels of service for people who are hard of hearing.

States have until April to meet the federal mandate established under the Americans with Disabilities Act, requiring all digital products be accessible for people with disabilities. Readiness levels vary.

Speaking to the challenges of ed-tech procurement, Lisa Berghoff of Highland Park High School said school districts should overlook hype and focus instead on whether a new tool is accessible and backed by sound research.

At the annual Future of Education Technology Conference last month in Orlando, FETC Chair Jennifer Womble explained why the K-12 community must reclaim the narrative around digital tools.

With a $755,000 grant from the nonprofit Proof Positive, the play2PREVENT Lab at Dartmouth College is leveraging behavioral science to build “serious games” for youth on the autism spectrum.

A new report by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers offers assistance to the public sector around complying with federal digital accessibility requirements.

Visitors to the Colorado state Capitol can now access free American Sign Language interpreting services through the Aira ASL app, building on the state’s existing work to expand language access with this tool.

Plus, New York is investing in digital literacy, an area which is evolving as practitioners integrate AI skills; research suggests a “Dig Once” policy can save on broadband deployment costs; and more.

Streamline’s products include tools that expand digital access for people with disabilities. The new year will bring a new federal accessibility rule for web and mobile communication affecting state and local government.

The 20th annual top 10 list of state CIO priorities from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers reflects a pivotal shift in how leaders are preparing for the next era of gov tech.

Professors and students at Quinnipiac University developed a hands-free input system with AI and a standard webcam that allows people with limited mobility to communicate using facial gestures.

If the federal government succeeds in dismantling the Department of Education, it could impact the sharing of new adaptive or assistive technologies, communication devices and workforce development programs.

As states get ready for federal accessibility compliance, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers has released a step-by-step guide to ensure access is part of purchasing, too.

ADA Title II regulations mandate enhanced accessibility for mobile and web content from government entities, including public education institutions, as soon as 2026. Advocates suggest focusing on progress over deadlines.

Los Angeles County is using new technology in its L.A. Found program, which aims to help the county find people with Alzheimer’s, autism, dementia, or other cognitive conditions who may wander.