US Department of Justice proposes new rule on online access for persons with disabilities

In light of the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed a new rule aiming to improve the online accessibility of persons with disabilities under the ADA. US authorities claim that while progress was made under ADA, many persons with disabilities experience difficulties accessing state and local services via online or mobile devices. As such, the new proposed rule establishes accessibility standards for state and local governments’ web and mobile app-based services to ensure compliance with the ADA. It suggests technical standards, such as providing text descriptions for images, adding captions to videos, and enabling keyboard navigation for those with limited hand use, to assure access to essential services. These services include voter registration, tax filing, access to critical social services, vital records, vaccine registration, and online learning opportunities.