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Each year, on the third Thursday of May, people around the world recognize Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), a day dedicated to promoting digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities. As technology continues to shape how we work, learn, communicate, access healthcare, and engage with government services, accessibility remains essential to ensuring everyone can fully participate in modern life.
More than one billion people worldwide live with disabilities, including millions of Texans. For many individuals, accessible digital design is not a convenience, but a necessity. Features such as screen reader compatibility, captions, keyboard navigation, accessible documents, color contrast, and plain language help ensure websites, applications, and digital services can be used by people with a wide range of disabilities.
GAAD serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder that accessibility must be intentionally incorporated into technology from the beginning. Digital accessibility benefits everyone by creating clearer communication, more usable technology, and better experiences for all.
Texas continues to strengthen its commitment to accessibility through statewide policies, training, and technical assistance. The Texas Department of Information Resources provides leadership and resources to help state agencies and institutions of higher education comply with accessibility requirements and improve access to digital services. Across Texas government, Electronic and Information Resources Accessibility Coordinators (EIRAC)/Digital Accessibility Officers work to help ensure digital content and technology are accessible to Texans with disabilities.
Accessibility is not limited to government websites or technology professionals. Everyone who creates digital content, including educators, employers, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations plays a role in ensuring information and services are accessible to all.
There are many ways individuals and organizations can participate in GAAD:
Accessibility is an ongoing effort that requires awareness, collaboration, and action. By building digital spaces that work for everyone, we help create a more inclusive Texas where all people can access information, services, and opportunities independently and equitably.
In Governor Abbott’s proclamation, he encourages all Texans to recognize and prioritize digital accessibility implementation as a core requirement in the culture of technology. “Together, Texans can play a role in digital accessibility on the journey toward a stronger, fairer future.”
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