OMB Releases Digital Accessibility Guidance to Ensure All Americans Have Ability to Access Critical Government Resources

From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken significant steps to achieve a more inclusive country for people with disabilities. Currently, 61 million Americans live with a disability, but nearly half of the most popular Federal Government websites are not fully accessible to all Americans. This lack of accessibility could lead to unequal access to critical services for millions of Americans. That’s why, today, the Office of Management and Budget is releasing updated guidance that requires Federal agencies to put accessibility at the center of the Federal Government digital experience – so government can truly deliver for all Americans.

The Federal Government will deliver a more universally accessible digital experience to the public by:

• Delivering Accessible Digital Experiences: Prior to publishing electronic content, agencies should test it to ensure it meets accessibility requirements. Agencies are expected to include people with disabilities as part of digital product design and testing user groups.

• Establishing Digital Accessibility Programs and Policies: Agencies must designate a program manager accountable for defining and overseeing digital accessibility processes including how digital accessibility issues are reported, tracked and resolved. It’s 2023 — individuals with disabilities must have access to electronic information and data that is comparable to what’s provided to those who do not have disabilities.

• Procuring Accessible Products and Services: Agencies are encouraged to make accessibility subject matter experts part of the acquisition process to ensure any new information and communications technology an agency plans to buy will be fully accessible.

• Monitoring and Remediating Problems: Agencies should regularly scan web content using both automated and manual testing tools and processes to fully assess whether accessibility requirements are met and immediately prioritize remediation if not. Digital accessibility is not a “one and done” initiative.

• Cultivating a Positive Culture of Digital Accessibility:  Agencies are encouraged to offer Section 508 and digital accessibility training to employees on a regular basis. Education and awareness are an important component in establishing an inclusive workplace culture. 

This new guidance establishes the required leadership, goals, and renewed focus to improve digital accessibility across the Federal Government.

Learn more

Read the policy guidance: OMB Memo 24-08

Access information and best practices on accessibility: Section508.gov 

Join us: CIO.gov

Questions? Contact ofcio@omb.eop.gov