Accessibility

Why the American People Deserve a Digital Government

OMB released new policy guidance for government that includes a variety of actions and standards to help federal agencies design, develop, and deliver modern websites and digital services. Memo M-23-22, Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience, will make it seamless for the public to obtain government information and services online, and help agencies fully implement the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (21st Century IDEA).— via The White House

Sep 22, 2023

A conversation about content audits

Content audits can be tedious. Two content designers discuss why we do them anyway, and how to get started.

Michelle Rago

Ryan Johnson

Sep 12, 2023

First, do no harm: mistakes to avoid in creating accessible user experiences

Accessible design and development practices help us build inclusive experiences. But we can lose sight of the people we serve if we don’t steadily work to better understand our users. To create accessible experiences, avoid these mistakes.— via 18F

Sep 05, 2023

VA now offers accessibility to blind Veterans so they can independently read decision letters online.— via U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Aug 24, 2023

Advanced Section 508 compliance testing: moving beyond automated testing and screen readers

Members of the Office of Natural Resources Revenue team recently completed the free, six-course Trusted Tester accessibility compliance training and certification from the Department of Homeland Security. Here’s what they learned, and how they applied this new knowledge to the two websites they manage.— via Office of Natural Resources Revenue

Aug 21, 2023

Fact Sheet: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities

The Department of Justice published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) explaining how they propose updating the regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to add more specific requirements about web and mobile application (app) accessibility.— via Department of Justice

Aug 03, 2023

How a Small Team Modernized a Federal Website to Improve CX

The recent redesign of the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) website stands as an example for agencies seeking to enhance their online platforms. ONRR’s Open Data, Design, and Development (ODDD) team played a pivotal role in this website transformation by embracing open data, user-centered design, accessibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.— via Performance.gov

Jul 11, 2023

3 ways to improve communication between contact center agents and customers

The USAGov Contact Center is committed to meeting customers’ needs empathetically, efficiently, and accurately. Here are three tips recommended to USAGov agents for interacting with customers.— via USA.gov

Jun 27, 2023

Developing and evaluating content for manual accessibility and user experience (UX) tests

Watch Video

User experience (UX) experts across the federal government will share case studies and best practices during this virtual summit.

FCC requires video conferencing platforms to be accessible and proposes platform integration with sign-language services

The Federal Communications Commission voted to require video conferencing platforms, like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex, to comply with the accessibility requirements under the Communications Act and agency rules that govern interoperable video conferencing services.— via Federal Communications Commission

Jun 08, 2023

Join us as we observe Global Accessibility Awareness Day and talk about the real-world experience of blind users on the web.

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A digital accessibility catalyst for your next policy refresh

Use GSA’s IT Accessibility Policy Framework to update digital accessibility language in your agency’s policies.

Andrew Nielson

May 15, 2023

Judiciary Launches New Federal Ticket Processing Website

Individuals can now pay tickets for minor federal violations more easily, using a redesigned website for the Judiciary’s Central Violations Bureau. The website, officially launched in early May, leverages new technologies and best design practices to improve usability and accessibility across devices, including smart phones.— via Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

May 02, 2023

The art of storytelling in a hybrid world

Combined with technology and audience awareness, our increasingly digital, hybrid world can still leverage that in-person charm through the art of storytelling.

Frances Carden

Apr 20, 2023

Introducing the new USA.gov

We’re excited to share that the new USA.gov and USAGov en Español are live. However, we’re not finished. See what we’ll be working on in the future.— via USA.gov

Apr 18, 2023

Modernizing a federal government website with user-centered design

In this blog post, we break down our process for redesigning a federal government website (onrr.gov) into six detailed sections. This blog serves as a helpful guide for other agencies looking to do a major website redesign.— via Office of Natural Resources Revenue

Mar 30, 2023

Plain language on onrr.gov: coordination and implementation with web content owners

Strategies, examples, and lessons learned from coordinating with content owners to enhance plain language on onrr.gov.— via Office of Natural Resources Revenue

Mar 16, 2023

Testing Beta for Accessibility

The USAGov team strives to ensure all our websites are accessible to as many people as possible. This includes those who need the use of specialized assistive technologies when browsing the internet. In building beta.USA.gov we deliberately validated that it met Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 compliance requirements. Our testing approach includes a three step hybrid method that may be suitable for other agency use.— via USA.gov

Mar 16, 2023

Join us to discuss the plain language and cultural components of effectively translating digital content into multiple languages.

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Hurricane guidance for U.S. government websites and social media

Accessibility

Why the American People Deserve a Digital Government

A conversation about content audits

First, do no harm: mistakes to avoid in creating accessible user experiences

Blind Veterans can now read decision letters

Advanced Section 508 compliance testing: moving beyond automated testing and screen readers

Fact Sheet: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities

How a Small Team Modernized a Federal Website to Improve CX

3 ways to improve communication between contact center agents and customers

USWDS Monthly Call - June 2023

2023 Government UX Summit

FCC requires video conferencing platforms to be accessible and proposes platform integration with sign-language services

USWDS Monthly Call - May 2023

A digital accessibility catalyst for your next policy refresh

Judiciary Launches New Federal Ticket Processing Website

The art of storytelling in a hybrid world

Introducing the new USA.gov

Modernizing a federal government website with user-centered design

Plain language on onrr.gov: coordination and implementation with web content owners

Testing Beta for Accessibility

The plain language tie to translating digital content

Hurricane guidance for U.S. government websites and social media

More News and Events on Accessibility