White House Prioritizes Accessibility in Digital Experiences

The White House is placing a strong emphasis on accessibility in digital experiences, doubling down on efforts to ensure equal access across platforms. This commitment comes in response to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) digital-first public experience mandate and the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act of 2018.

The General Services Administration’s Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) has been actively supporting agencies in their accessibility initiatives. Jonathan Finch, the White House’s acting director for digital experience, highlighted the growing interest in accessibility and the importance of making digital experiences accessible to all individuals. The September OMB guidance serves as the foundation for agencies to modernize federal websites, digitize services and forms, and enhance customer service.

According to Finch, accessibility is a critical component of improving digital experiences, and agencies are beginning to respond to this focus. The TMF has been working closely with agencies such as the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Bureau of Land Management to improve accessibility.

Rachel Sauter, technical investment manager at TMF, explained that the fund targeted two specific areas for implementation: digitizing paper forms into PDF and enhancing website accessibility. These projects were chosen because they were seen as achievable with the infusion of funds. The TMF investment has already had a positive impact on modernization projects in agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, where it is helping to improve online forms, personalize patterns, and invest in data visualization.

Overall, the White House and agencies recognize the need for collaboration in driving digital modernization efforts. By working together, industry partners, agency delivery teams, and government initiatives like TMF can deliver better digital experiences that meet the public’s expectations.

In conclusion, the White House is actively prioritizing accessibility in digital experiences, aiming to create a more inclusive and accessible online environment for all individuals.

FAQ:

1. Why is the White House placing a strong emphasis on accessibility in digital experiences?
The White House is placing a strong emphasis on accessibility in digital experiences in response to the Office of Management and Budget’s digital-first public experience mandate and the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act of 2018.

2. How is the General Services Administration’s Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) supporting agencies in their accessibility initiatives?
The TMF has been actively supporting agencies in their accessibility initiatives by working closely with agencies such as the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Bureau of Land Management to improve accessibility.

3. What specific areas did the TMF target for implementation?
The TMF targeted two specific areas for implementation: digitizing paper forms into PDF and enhancing website accessibility.

4. How has the TMF investment positively impacted modernization projects in agencies?
The TMF investment has had a positive impact on modernization projects in agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs by helping to improve online forms, personalize patterns, and invest in data visualization.

5. What is the goal of collaboration between industry partners, agency delivery teams, and government initiatives like TMF?
The goal of collaboration is to deliver better digital experiences that meet the public’s expectations.

Key Terms:

– Office of Management and Budget (OMB): The federal executive agency in the United States responsible for budget planning and financial management.

– 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act of 2018: A 2018 law that introduces the requirement of prioritizing digital public experiences and aims to improve digital accessibility.

– General Services Administration (GSA): The federal agency in the United States responsible for managing real estate, procurement, and other services for other government agencies.

– Technology Modernization Fund (TMF): A U.S. government program that supports technology-related modernization initiatives.

– Office of Personnel Management (OPM): The U.S. government agency responsible for managing federal employment.

– Bureau of Land Management (BLM): The U.S. government agency responsible for managing public lands and natural resources.

Suggested links:

– The White House
– General Services Administration (GSA)
– Technology Modernization Fund (TMF)

The source of the article is from the blog agogs.sk