IT Accessibility Review
Volume 1, Number 7
State of the States
Governor Bush Launches Effort to Expand Accessibility of Electronic and Information Technology
Tallahassee - Governor Jeb Bush has signed an executive order creating the Accessible Electronic and Information Technology Task Force.The group, chaired by Department of Management Services Secretary Tom Lewis, Jr., will make recommendations on increasing accessibility to the state´s electronic and information technology systems for persons with disabilities.
"The buildings, facilities and structures in our state are required to meet standards providing full access to persons with disabilities," said Governor Bush. "As we go further into this electronic age, it is imperative we apply similar types of standards to technology, ensuring all Floridians have access to quality information on state services, programs, and opportunities."
The task force will review and assess the state´s current web-based systems, identify potential accessibility barriers and recommend changes using existing and emerging technology.
"I applaud Governor Bush for his unwavering commitment to serving Floridians with disabilities," said Secretary Lewis."I am honored the Governor has asked me to lead this task force and look forward to increasing accessibility and moving state government into the future through technology."
The task force will submit a report outlining its recommendations, including any proposed legislative actions, to the Governor by January 31, 2006.
Administrative support and technical assistance for the task force will be provided by the Department of Management Services, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Education, and the Agency for Health Care Administration.Appointed by the Governor, the 15-member task force includes representatives from state agency leadership, disability advocacy organizations, and members of the disability community. All members will serve terms starting June 24, 2005 and ending at the pleasure of the Governor. Those serving are:
Tom Lewis, Jr., 66, of Tallahassee, Secretary of the Department of Management Services. Secretary Lewis will serve as chairman of this task force.
Shelly Brantley, 36, of Tallahassee, Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
John Winn, 56, of Tallahassee, Commissioner of the Department of Education.
Julie Madden, 41, of Tallahassee, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Management Services.
Thomas Ross, 63, of Windermere, attorney with Akerman Senterfitt.
S. Craig Kiser, 58, of Tallahassee, Director of the Florida Division of Blind Services.
Thomas Nurse, 49, of Clearwater, Associate Specialist with New England Financial.
Remer (Chip) Wilson , 55, of Jacksonville, President of ADA Consultants of Northeast Florida , LLC.
Jesus Garcia, 41, of Hialeah, Customer Service Manager with Logisticare, LLC.
Jane E. Johnson, 46, of Tallahassee, Executive Director of the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology.
Richard La Belle, 43, of Dunedin, attorney and President of the Law Offices of Richard La Belle, P.A.
Steve Howells, 52, of Tallahassee, Deputy Director of the Advocacy Center.
Karen Clay, 52, of Tampa, homemaker and caregiver of a disabled child.
Vincent E. McMullen, 40, of Clearwater, self-employed.
Lloyd Tribley, 53, of Tallahassee, Technology Consultant and Director of the Real Choice Partnership Project Program.
