[Athen] Proposed rule-making on web accessibility and mobile apps

[Laurie Vasquez]

FYI

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-advances-proposed-rule-strengthen-web-and-mobile-app-access-people

PRESS RELEASE
Justice Department Advances Proposed Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App
Access for People with Disabilities
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
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For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs

The Justice Department sent to the Federal Register for publication a
notice of proposed rulemaking under Title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) that aims to improve web and mobile applications
(apps) access for people with disabilities and clarify how public entities
– primarily state and local governments – can meet their existing ADA
obligations as many of their activities shift online.

Across the United States, people routinely rely on web and mobile apps to
access a variety of vital public programs and services like employment and
educational resources, voting information, health and emergency services,
parking, and transit schedules. The proposed rule is particularly
significant in the wake of the pandemic, as public entities have
significantly increased the scope of essential services and programs
offered through the web and mobile apps. It is critical for these
technologies to be accessible for people with disabilities.

“This marks the first time in the history of the Americans with
Disabilities Act that the Justice Department has issued a proposed rule on
website accessibility,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This
proposed rule seeks to ensure that Americans with disabilities have equal
access to the websites and apps that connect them to essential services
provided by state and local governments.”

“This proposed rule, which is the culmination of years of work and
collaboration, is a historic moment for the Justice Department,” said
Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “It will help enshrine the right
of Americans with disabilities to access critical information needed to
lead safe, productive, and prosperous lives.”

“This proposed rule marks a significant milestone in the Justice
Department’s efforts to advance accessibility in the digital sphere,” said
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil
Rights Division. “This groundbreaking moment makes clear our commitment to
eradicating the barriers faced by people with disabilities and affording
equal access to online government programs and services that people around
the country depend on every day. We will continue to use every tool
available to ensure that people with disabilities are provided full access
to the digital town square.”

As state and local governments continue to move more of their programs and
activities online – from applying for permits to checking the status of
service requests, registering vehicles, and paying taxes and fees –
ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to these same
services is essential. When websites and mobile apps are not accessible,
they can be difficult or even impossible for people with disabilities to
use. This can block people with disabilities from readily accessing
important government services and programs that others can quickly and
easily obtain online.

The Department is eager to hear from the public and get input from relevant
stakeholders on the regulatory proposal set forth in our forthcoming
proposed rule. The proposed rule will soon be available for review on the
Federal Register’s website at www.federalregister.gov. A fact sheet that
provides information about the proposed rule will soon be available on
www.ada.gov. The Department invites the public to submit their comments on
the proposed rule once it is published. The comment period will be open for
60 days from the date the proposed rule is published. Public comments can
be submitted on www.regulations.gov.

For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the
Department’s website <https://www.justice.gov/crt>. For more information on
the ADA, please call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at
800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit the ADA website
<http://www.ada.gov/>.
Updated July 25, 2023
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