In the weekly review of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) for October 2023, a new policy guidance issued by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stood out as a noteworthy development. This guidance named “Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience” suggests fundamental shifts in governmental digital practices and emphasizes the need to improve the accessibility of agency websites.JD Supra provides a full account of the details behind this development.
The OMB directive is primarily aimed at improving shared technology, setting universal standards, and creating an integrated user experience. However, it also squarely addresses an issue of increasing concern for government agencies and disability rights advocates: website accessibility. The facts are stark: currently, only two percent of government forms are digitized, 45 percent of websites have not been designed to work on mobile devices, and 60 percent of websites are not fully usable by those who use assistive technologies.
The implications of the OMB guidance are significant for the future of digital access and equity in government services. By drawing attention to the current state of government website accessibility, the OMB is actively pushing agencies to prioritize this area of public service. In doing so, they hope to increase the proportion of usable and accessible digital services for the public, most especially for those citizens who use assistive technologies.
Tracking these policy changes is essential for legal professionals in government and private sectors alike. Such developments pave the way for the transformation of government digital services, ultimately leading to greater access and more efficient service delivery for all citizens. Therefore, staying informed is critical in this fast-evolving digital landscape.