The state of Massachusetts has taken the first step toward making accessibility an integral part of their technology stack. Ashley Bloom has been installed as the state’s first accessibility IT officer.
Bloom comes to the job with high-level private sector experience. That experience includes work with UKG and Fidelity. In addition to work experience, Bloom also brings life experience as a person with disabilities. As cited by Government Technology:
“THIS HAS REALLY PROVIDED ME WITH A FOUNDATION OF WHAT I CAN DO AT THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS TO START INTEGRATING ACCESSIBILITY INTO EVERYTHING WE DO — NOT JUST CREATING PRODUCTS, BUT CREATING A HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE FOR RESIDENTS AND EMPLOYEES,”
It is unclear what form her contributions will take. Accessibility is a wide net. Even at the IT level, it can mean a lot of different things. None of those possibilities lend themselves to quick and easy fixes. It is almost certain that other states will be watching to see what direction this new initiative will take.
The best solutions will include those that cover multiple accessibility concerns at once. For example, digitizing forms such that all paperwork is accessible online and accessible to screen readers, text enlargement, and the like. This is not only an obvious win for the visually impaired, it is also a win for those who are mobility impaired.
Another win would be to adopt a telehealth approach to government offerings such as unemployment services and financial aid interviews. There is no technological reason why these services can’t be done online and eliminate the need for people with disabilities to stand in long lines and take up hours of waiting for essential aid.
Doctors have found ways to manage a mixed system of walk-ins, appointments, and online visits. Having someone in the position of chief accessibility officer who has experience in the private sector could eventually bring those types of innovative ideas, budget savings, and human efficiency to everything the state touches.
At the end of the day, accessibility benefits all. It is a rare person who moves through every stage of life without some type of accessibility need. Massachusetts has planted a stake in the ground and made accessible a high priority. We will see if other states follow their lead.
David Johnson