Digital Accessibility News in 60 Seconds – Jan 9, 2024: Pennsylvania Health Insurance Appeals, Maryland AI and Accessibility Initiatives, YuJa Panorama, Esri Federal GIS Conference, Federal Tech Leadership
Pennsylvania Enhances Health Insurance Appeals Process with Accessible Website: Pennsylvania has launched an accessible website dedicated to the health insurance appeals process. This initiative is part of the state’s effort to make health services more inclusive and accessible to all residents, including those with disabilities. The website aims to provide a user-friendly, navigable, and compliant platform in line with accessibility standards. (Caroline Nihill, State Scoop)
Maryland Launches AI Initiatives and Digital Accessibility Policy: Governor Wes Moore of Maryland signed an executive order to explore and implement AI technology in state operations. The order also includes initiatives to improve digital services and accessibility across state platforms, ensuring all Maryland residents have equal access to digital content, irrespective of their abilities. This initiative highlights a commitment to modernizing government operations while maintaining responsible AI use and cybersecurity. (Brenda Wintrode, Baltimore Banner)
Colorado Community College System Enhances Digital Accessibility with YuJa Panorama: The Colorado Community College System (CCCS), encompassing 13 colleges, has adopted YuJa Panorama Digital Accessibility Platform to improve the accessibility and engagement of their learning experiences. This move aims to meet the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and provide comprehensive media solutions for over 114,000 students. (Business Wire)
Esri Federal GIS Conference to Feature Accessibility Sessions: The Esri Federal GIS Conference, scheduled for February 2024 in Washington D.C., will host sessions focused on digital accessibility in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These sessions will cover accessibility standards for federal agencies, best practices for integrating accessibility into GIS applications, and the use of assistive technologies. This initiative is a part of Esri’s commitment to creating accessible GIS solutions. (JessicaMccall, Esri)
Federal Tech Leadership Urged to Prioritize Digital Accessibility in 2024: A call for action has been made to federal technology leaders to advance digital accessibility. Emphasizing the importance of making government digital platforms intuitive and accessible, this initiative aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, seniors, non-native speakers, and others. The approach includes understanding and implementing regulatory frameworks, adopting best practices, and addressing barriers in technology and culture to create an inclusive digital government. (Ran Ronen, Federal Times)
