Maryland accessibility initiative looks to even the digital playing field

MARYLAND – Maryland’s Department of Information Technology recently announced it is launching a first-of-it’s-kind accessibility initiative.

According to the CDC, 22% of Marylanders have a disability. In collaboration with the state’s Office of Procurement and the Department of Disabilities, staff members representing every executive agency in the state were trained as Accessibility Officers.

These officers will serve as a network across Maryland’s government to ensure that all digital applications will be usable for residents with visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities.

“Initiatives of this type, whether it’s done here in Maryland or elsewhere is really going to try to help level the playing field for individuals with disabilities to make sure that they can interact with state government, they can complete their transactions seamlessly,” said Andrew Drummond, Director of Accessibility at the Maryland Department of Information Technology.

Officials said they’re developing an accessibility testing tool that will help them establish a baseline and more effectively target websites and applications that need improvement.