Marriott International will change its reservations system under a deal reached with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado about alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office received complaints from individuals with disabilities and it found that Marriott’s centralized electronic reservations system didn’t have the minimum number … Continued
The U.S. Access Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Association of People with Disabilities and the Center for Democracy & Technology to make sure the disability community is involved in activities related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI can increase accessibility, but it can also create barriers for people with disabilities. The … Continued
On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice’s final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This final rule has requirements about how to make sure that web content and mobile applications (apps) are accessible to people with disabilities. The new Small Entity Compliance … Continued
In April, the Federal Register published the U.S. Department of Justice’s final rule updating its Americans with Disabilities Act Title II regulations. This rule provides state and local governments with new requirements to make their websites and mobile applications (apps) accessible to people with disabilities. Many government programs, services, and activities are now provided online. … Continued
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for people’s opinions (until April 8, 2024) on its proposal to make emergency video alerts available in American Sign Language (ASL) and in certain non-English languages. The FCC decided on some new rules last year. These rules say that wireless providers must put out certain emergency alerts in … Continued
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) thinks it’s possible for all cell phones in the US to work well with hearing aids. On January 26, 2024, they asked for people’s comments about how this requirement could be put into effect. They want comments on topics including: Using Bluetooth to connect between wireless handset models and hearing … Continued
Senators Wyden and Duckworth think the Department of Transportation (DOT) is making it harder for people with service animals to travel. They want the DOT to use an easier, accessible online service animal travel form instead of the current difficult paperwork. The required form is currently only offered in a PDF format and is hard … Continued
The General Services Administration (GSA) gave its report to Congress on federal website accessibility. The law, Section 508, says government agencies have to make their websites and digital things accessible. But many websites still have problems, like not describing images. The report says most agencies aren’t doing well in following this law, and less than … Continued
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has updated guidance that requires Federal agencies to put accessibility at the center of their digital experiences. The government is improving digital accessibility for everyone. The guidance says agencies should do things such as: Test online content to make sure it’s fully accessible before posting it. Involve people … Continued
The Smithsonian is using technology to improve museums and the resources people have access to. The goal is for everyone, no matter where they are, to get a better understanding of the changing world. New software will make things better for visitors, donors, volunteers, and others who deal with the Smithsonian. The aim is to … Continued
