On July 26, the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Governor Maura Healey signed Executive Order #613, creating the Digital Accessibility and Equity Governance Board to strengthen and advance digital accessibility and equity within the Commonwealth. She was joined by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Executive Office of Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder, other administration members, legislators, and representatives of the disability community.
The Board will be chaired by the newly established position of Chief Information Technology Accessibility Officer (CIAO) within the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) and will work with Secretary Snyder to lead the active engagement in driving all digital applications to be fully functional and accessible for everyone. Through ongoing monitoring, support for testing, and internal reporting, the Digital Accessibility and Equity Program will ensure that digital accessibility and equity standards are aligned across the executive department.
Members of the Digital Accessibility and Equity Governance Board will include the CIAO, Secretaries of executive offices, the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Access and Opportunity, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office on Disability, the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, and members of the public with expertise or lived experience with digital accessibility issues.
John Oliveira, Acting Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, stated, “It is critical that people with disabilities have access to the information and resources they need. Governor Healey’s executive order takes much-needed action to increase the accessibility of websites across the Commonwealth, reducing digital barriers and enhancing usability for all.”
Legislators present for the signing included Chairs Jay Livingstone and Robyn Kennedy of the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. Several disability advocates attended. The photograph paired with this article features Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll with Jim Brett, CEO of the New England Council, and The Arc’s Executive Director Leo Sarkissian. Leo noted, “We’re pleased to see this significant step in advancing digital accessibility and equity within the Commonwealth!”
