Resolution 2011-5 Regarding Local Government Web Site Accessibility

 

WHEREAS, county and municipal governments as well as local school systems now provide vital information to their constituents on their public websites; and

WHEREAS, this vital information includes, but is not limited to,  the schedules and agendas for public meetings, career and employment opportunities available within their organizations, the ability to apply for permits and licenses, together with information regarding the role each department or agency plays in the governing of the community; and

WHEREAS, websites for local school systems provide information that parents need in order to be engaged in their children's educational progress, as well as announcements about school closings and other emergencies; and

WHEREAS, all of this information is necessary for citizens to participate fully in community life and vitally affects the lives of their entire families; and

WHEREAS, blind citizens and blind parents have the right to receive the same information that is provided to the sighted public; and

WHEREAS, state and Federal Laws, such as, Section 508  of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, offer guidelines on how to make websites accessible to the blind, and these guidelines will also enhance the usability of websites for all of the public: Now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Convention assembled this thirtieth day of October, 2011, in the city of Ocean City, Maryland, that this organization urge officials of county and municipal governments, and local school systems to implement accessibility guidelines so that all citizens, including those who are blind, have access to public information that will allow them to participate in all aspects of community life.