'The Closed Digital Door:' State Benefits' Websites Inaccessible to PWD

From AAPD (9.1.10)

Report Finds Five State Benefits' Websites Inaccessible to People with Disabilities

by Jenifer Simpson, AAPD Senior Director of Government Affairs

A June 22, 2010 report finds that state public benefits agencies are relying more on their websites as a means of providing information to the public, and as a means for applicants to secure Medicaid, food stamps, and cash assistance. However, the report, by the National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ)  at http://www.nclej.org/ , shows that at least five states – California, Florida, Michigan, New York and Texas – have agency websites with problems that make them inaccessible to people with disabilities who are users of assistive technology, and many websites are difficult for anyone to navigate.

The report, "The Closed Digital Door: State Public Benefits Agencies' Failure to Make Websites Accessible to People with Disabilities and Usable for Everyone," describes barriers to access for people with disabilities when applying for cash and other benefits online, requesting an application, searching the website, or contacting the agency by email. These accessibility problems violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and many state web accessibility laws and policies. As the federal government and states prepare to implement health care reform, and millions of additional people become eligible for Medicaid, it is critical that state public benefits agency websites are accessible to people with disabilities and usable by everyone, so eligible individuals have ready access to information on the Medicaid program and the application process. AAPD notes that the evaluation did not state assessment of any video materials on these websites, and which might involve lack of captioning or video description, where used.

The NCLEJ states it will work with advocates to improve public benefits agency website accessibility and usability. To become involved or for more information, please contact Hannah Weinberger-Divack at Tel 312-368-1104 or Cary LaCheen at Email lacheen@nclej.org

>>For the Report, 'The Closed Digital Door"

Comments

[Happywheels]

When will the states realize they must provide information for everyone, and include the blind? They continue to ignore their users, but worse seeminly disrespect their waiver programs participants sending them PDF and EXCEL docs. The problem lies with DHHS in not mandating standards for the states to meet, or not received federal tax dollars!

Once the DHHS wakes up and starts to oversee the states more closely, or stop funding, this too will end.

[charles]

Shame , shame , shame When will our staes politicians realize disabled persons enjoy the same constitutional rights as the able bodied. Yes , states stop making your websites so user unfriendly. I bet if voting were that difficult you would change it in a heartbeat!!!!!!!!!!!!!