Experts from the Department of Information Resources (DIR), Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), and University of Texas System (UT) stressed the scope of digital accessibility need in the state during a panel at the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) Technology Education Conference April 17.
Moderated by DIR Statewide Digital Accessibility Program Administrator Marie Cohan, the panel included UT Arlington Electronic and Information Resources Accessibility Coordinator Laura Hopkins, TWC Deputy CIO Jeff Peden and UT Health San Antonio IT Accessibility Coordinator Luke Rosenberger.
Cohan opened by emphasizing the significant need for digital accessibility in Texas, citing data from the U.S. Census and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), respectively:
“If you look at the U.S. Census, it will tell you that we’re talking about 12 percent of the Texas population,” said Cohan. “The CDC will tell you that we’re talking about 28 percent of the Texas population. Either way, a big number, but the difference between those actually tells you some interesting things that are useful to remember about disability and about accessibility. The U.S. Census frames their question in terms of permanent characteristics, while the CDC asks about current functional abilities, and that’s a good reminder to us that not all disabilities are permanent and from birth.”
Peden, who previously expressed TWC’s preference for accessible vendor solutions at an Industry Insider — Texas member briefing, advised vendors to conduct accessibility testing on their products before responding to solicitations.
“The first thing I’m going to ask an agency representative of your company is, ‘Do you have a VPAT or ACR?’” said Peden.
“And I’ll tell you what those are because a lot of people look at me blankly. Voluntary Product Accessibility Template or an Accessibility Conformance Report. Those two things, get them for your product, have them when you try to pitch to a state agency or higher education organization because we need to see that this has indeed been tested or evaluated.”
Rosenberger agreed, adding that any vendors interested in educating themselves and ensuring their products and organizations are accessibility compliant can receive online training through Cohan’s office at DIR.
State Experts Talk Accessibility at Tech Education Conference
The panel of representatives from state agencies and higher education institutions shared how vendors can help their products stand out at the recent Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications conference.
