The Pandemic Has Highlighted the Need for Accessible Technology in Government

The coronavirus pandemic has changed a great deal about how state and local governments operate, with many agencies expanding digital services. However, with governments turning increasingly to remote work, virtual meetings and online service delivery, the pandemic has also shown the shortcomings of such solutions and technologies for those with disabilities.

Those issues were recently highlighted in a publication from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers. In an interview with NASCIO Policy and Research Director Meredith Ward, Jay Wyant, the chief information accessibility officer for Minnesota, discusses how the pandemic exposed gaps in providing accessible tools for those with disabilities.