Technology Accessibility Program (TAP) Software Distribution Update
This update is for state agency information only and does not pertain to local government entities.
TAP has been given a unique opportunity to fund accessibility-based software for agencies. We have procured a number of software solutions to jump start agency accessibility efforts, both limited and unlimited licenses. However, we have recently found that the process for distribution has not been fully developed yet within all teams.
Therefore, we are putting a temporary hold on the distribution of this software. As we work through the licensing and distribution process, we will keep you updated.
For additional information regarding TAP software visit our IT Accessibility Planning page on Software.
My accessibility journey
By Beckie Bean, Technology Accessibility Program Solutions Engineer
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Lao Tzu
This maxim is often quoted to describe one’s journey, but for me and accessibility, truer words have never been written. As a new Accessibility Solutions Engineer on the TAP team, I wish I could say that I always knew about IT accessibility. However, when I began this journey, I had no idea what IT accessibility meant or how important it was to so many people.
When I was introduced to the topic of accessibility by a coworker a few years ago, my only thought was “Why is everything an A? Level A, AA, AAA – what does this all mean?” Ensuring the state agency website I managed was accessible for people with disabilities felt too big to comprehend.
The key for me was to identify what my first step should be - gathering knowledge. By acknowledging that I was no expert, it opened my mind to learning more about IT accessibility. I took additional training on accessibility and web development to help me understand the topic. And the more I learned about accessibility, the more I found that I wanted to learn more. That learning journey has now brought me to OIT, where I will be able to help others along their journey.
My journey also helped me answer my own question about what accessibility means. It means opening doors to every Coloradan to be able to access our services with the same level of ease, and being able to serve every Coloradan with the same level of dignity, respect, and integrity. Accessibility means creating a Colorado for All!
Over the course of the last year, we all took that first step by beginning to plan for IT accessibility adoption. Now the journey continues!
The TAP team is working to provide additional training, resources, and tools to assist in your own accessibility journey. Be sure to sign your teams up for the OIT Accessibility Newsletter to stay up to date on these resources.
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