In Pennsylvania, we aspire to promote independence and inclusion for all residents. Often, people with disabilities do not always have access to state government services and information with ease. After hearing from members of the disability community, we must eliminate obstacles and increase access through the inclusion of assistive and new technology, to allow for greater involvement from all Pennsylvania residents in state programs.
 
For this reason, we will be introducing legislation that will create a taskforce that will identify systemic principles that create barriers to accessibility in state programs. Additionally, this legislation will provide resources for new and emerging technologies, collect data to inform annual recommendations for accessibility, and collaborate with agencies and partnerships to increase accessibility in Pennsylvania. This will ensure that all Pennsylvanians have improved accessibility and inclusion in our Commonwealth.
 
This legislation comes out of a policy recommendation of the Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator, a group of people from government agencies, the disability community, advocates, and the technology community. It reflects that group’s understanding of the best way forward for the Commonwealth to address these issues in a way that fully integrates the communities that are being served and the interests of all the residents of the Commonwealth.
 
Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to promote accessibility, inclusion, and independence in Pennsylvania.