37th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference Has Concluded

Accessible Technology Under the ADA and the Role of the DOJ

Date & Time

Friday, March 18, 2022 - 10:20 AM PST

Location

Platinum 7-8

Description

The Department of Justice will discuss its work to achieve the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the area of accessible technology. Now more than ever, technology is the cornerstone of how we communicate, learn, and do business, and it is imperative that people with disabilities are accessing the same services. One of Congress’ central goals in enacting the ADA was to guarantee individuals with disabilities equal participation in all aspects of society. However, when the ADA was enacted, the internet and electronic information technologies as we know them today did not exist, and therefore, the ADA does not expressly mention them. Nonetheless, the ADA applies to these technologies. Our presentation will address the tools the Department uses to enforce the ADA, and discuss the Department’s enforcement actions related to the web and emerging technologies. First, the presentation will explain some of the tools the Department has to address discrimination against people with disabilities involving technology. The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. The ADA covers employment, state and local governments, and public accommodations. The Disability Rights Section works to achieve equal opportunity for people with disabilities in the United States through technical assistance, regulation, mediation, and enforcement. Our ADA Technical Assistance Program provides free information and technical assistance directly to businesses, state and local governments, non-profit service providers, and the general public. Also, the Department offers a unique mediation program that utilizes specially trained professional mediators to help parties resolve complaints referred by the Department. Lastly, the Department has authority to ensure compliance with the ADA through enforcement and litigation. Then, we will discuss the Department’s enforcement activities regarding technology accessibility, including recent developments. The Department first articulated its interpretation that state and local government and private entity websites are covered by the ADA over 20 years ago. Since, the Department has addressed inaccessible technologies in employment, state and local government, and private entity goods and services. This presentation will highlight some of the Department’s recent matters.

Audience

Information & Communications Technology
Disability Specific
Government
Healthcare & Rehabilitation
Legal

Audience Level

Beginning

Session Summary (Abstract)

The Department of Justice will discuss its work to achieve the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act in the area of accessible technology through investigations, litigation, technical assistance, and mediation. This presentation will focus on the Department’s past and recent work to address technological barriers for people with disabilities.

Session Type

General Track

Topics