Washington State's Accessibility Policy and Strategy

Presented by Ryan Leisinger / @ryanleisinger

Why me?

Ryan Leisinger

  • Solutions Architect @ WaTech and OCIO (My roles)
  • Part of group that self organizes using Holacracy
  • Appointed to Gov Committe on Disability Employment

Why an IT Policy?

What WA Had...
What WA Has...
Americans with Disability Act

RCW 49.60.030
Freedom from discrimination — Declaration of civil rights.

What WA Got...
Policy #188
Yellow sign with number 188

Policy #188

Authority

August 11th, 2016, Michael Cockrill, Washington State Chief Information Officer signed Office of the Chief Information Officer Policy #188

OCIO Policy #101
State Agencies & Higher Edu
Recommended for Legislative and Judiciary

Requirements

ALL COVERED TECH MUST MEET ESTABLISHED & TESTABLE STANDARD
  • Identify an Accessibility Coordinator
  • Have policy and process in place to ensure compliance
  • Publish a ‘plan’

Standard & Covered Technology

W3C’s WCAG 2.0 level AA
Perceivable, operable, understandable & robust

What is covered?
User interfaces :: Covered Tech

Drivers

Mitigate Risk

Changes to ADA Title II to include 'websites' (SANPRM)
Section 508 Refresh (ICT)
Identified as barrier to hiring within WA State (DETF & EO 13-02)
3/4 of million WA State citizens directly benefit (data)

Is It Working?

Over 100 Accessibility Coordinators Attended Training
Inspired another CSUN Presentation by UW
Language in all IT procurements & contracts
Added to OCIO Decision Package Ranking Criteria
Prioritize work on ten year old issue with HR system
Able to react quickly to letter from National Federation for the Blind

Yet...

Disability Community not feeling a difference

  • Small Business Owners who can't complete forms
  • WA State Employees who can't access HR info
  • Citizens can't access applications concerning their daughters medication to treat cancer
  • Potential business owers who can't apply for some licenses

Policy #188 Big Picture

  • OCIO has no audit function
    •
  • Accountability on the Agencies
    •
  • Policy to influence culture
    •
  • Foster community, build resources
    •
  • Part of a bigger Inclusion Strategy
    •

More

Ryan Leisinger
ryan.leisinger@watech.wa.gov
My roles
@ryanleisinger