The long-term goal is a fully accessible state government, in which all our information and applications - whether for the public or for employees - are fully accessible. ~ Jay Wyant, Minnesota’s Chief Information Accessibility Officer

Minnesota’s Chief Information Accessibility Officer Jay Wyant was recently featured in the Great Lakes ADA Centers Accessible Technology Bulletin discussing improved accessibility for those in need of information from our state. While Minnesota isn’t the only state with an accessibility initiative, it is the only state to have a Chief Information Accessibility Officer (CIAO).

In 2009, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law requiring the State CIO to develop and implement a standard to make information from state websites, applications and systems more accessible. Jay leads this process by creating awareness and training to guide agencies on accessibility best practices, policies and procedures.

According to Wyant, while creating more accessible information is the right thing to do, other important benefits also come as a result.

It’s also a more cost-effective approach: If you apply the necessary thought and care to ensure that everyone can use your technology. You will have better, more effective technology that has a much longer shelf life before it needs to be updated or replaced.

Visit the ADA Great Lakes Accessible Technology Bulletin to read Jays full interview, and be sure to check out MNIT's accessibility resources for more information about making your work accessible.