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Accessible Government

The State of Minnesota is making government more accessible

3/26/2015 10:14:43 AM

Can everyone navigate your website? Nearly 20 percent of the population has a disability, which can make it difficult for them to access the internet. Using accessibility guidelines when developing your website helps make it possible for anyone regardless of ability to use it.

The Office of Accessibility, a program of MN.IT Services, recently sponsored web accessibility training by nationally-recognized WebAIM expert Jared Smith. Smith presented to State of Minnesota website managers, project managers and content creators on strategies, tools and resources to create and maintain accessible websites and content.

Creating accessible websites is not only the right thing to do; it is the law. In 2009, the State of Minnesota passed a law requiring web accessibility standards for all state government websites to follow. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) is considering a similar rule regulating all state and local government websites under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This ruling, in effect, will give the DoJ more authority to enforce accessibility and impose penalties for noncompliance.

The State of Minnesota believes in accessible government for all, said Jay Wyant, Chief Information Accessibility Officer, MN.IT Services. Jared's expertise will help us improve the States ability to make information available to anyone who needs it.

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