Goals and strategy overview
The following goals and strategies will advance the Commonwealth in reaching its vision for digital accessibility and equity.
| Goals | Associated Strategies |
|---|---|
| Goal 1: Organize and fund the Digital Accessibility and Equity Program | Strategy 1: Define the Digital Accessibility and Equity Program structure Strategy 2: Secure sufficient funding for the Digital Accessibility and Equity Program |
| Goal 2: Establish a governance, risk, and compliance framework | Strategy 3: Construct a Digital accessibility program governance framework |
| Goal 3: Foster an informed and engaged network of stakeholders | Strategy 4: Develop a program communications plan and engagement model Strategy 5: Advance engagement with people with disabilities and those from all communities Strategy 6: Engage with multistate governments and organizations |
| Goal 4: Procure accessible and equitable IT products and services | Strategy 7: Incorporate digital accessibility and equity requirements into IT procurement processes |
| Goal 5: Empower Commonwealth employees to advance digital accessibility and equity | Strategy 8: Develop, deliver, and track general and role-specific digital accessibility and equity trainings |
| Goal 6: Design, build, and maintain accessible and equitable digital services, programs, and activities | Strategy 9: Understand people’s needs and experiences with our digital services Strategy 10: Embed digital accessibility and equity requirements into the software development lifecycle Strategy 11: Remediate existing software to meet technical standards Strategy 12: Create and maintain accessible and equitable digital content (e.g., electronic documents, multimedia, social media, and digital communications) Strategy 13: Develop and implement an action plan for remediating existing digital content |
| Goals | Associated Strategies |
|---|
Goal 1: Organize and fund the Digital Accessibility and Equity Program
A critical first step is to set a program structure, staff, and resources. This will help to embed digital accessibility and equity in the organization. Year-over-year funding is needed to support the Digital Accessibility and Equity Program. It will fund staffing, tools, contracted services, and other resources.
Strategy 1: Define the Digital Accessibility and Equity Program structure
Massachusetts is building a hub-and-spoke program structure. With this structure, a centralized team will define and drive the program. Additionally, each agency across the Commonwealth will embed accessibility experts.
Strategy 2: Secure ongoing funding for the Digital Accessibility and Equity Program
Each secretariat and agency will assess its funding needs. These will vary based on their specific priorities.
Goal 2: Establish an up-to-date governance, risk, and compliance framework
A governance framework facilitates effective oversight and accountability. This framework is intended to create awareness of risk and inform agency decision-making. Some of this framework is already in place, established by state law and executive order. It is important to build upon this to further improve digital accessibility and equity at the Commonwealth.
Strategy 3: Construct a digital accessibility and equity program governance framework
The Commonwealth will need to formalize job expectations for staff roles across areas such as procurement, communications, etc. This will enable the Commonwealth to evaluate program performance and make improvements.
Goal 3: Foster an informed and engaged network of stakeholders
Effective communication with partners and stakeholders strengthens relationships and facilitates active participation in the practice of digital accessibility and equity.
Strategy 4: Develop a program communications plan and engagement model
The Commonwealth will develop a communications plan to share progress updates and resources in collaboration with the secretariats.
Strategy 5: Advance engagement with people with disabilities and from all communities
The Commonwealth will promote diverse, accessible channels for people with disabilities and other communities to engage with the Program. It will also seek to understand their circumstances and needs proactively.
Strategy 6: Engage with multistate governments and organizations
The Commonwealth will cultivate a support network with other states to share information, learn from other programs, and contribute to industry best practices.