Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, alongside fellow Aging Committee members, has called on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enhance its website accessibility. This action follows a concerning report by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) highlighting the VA’s non-compliance with the Rehabilitation Act’s accessibility mandates.
Despite the Rehabilitation Act of 1973’s clear stipulations, the OIG’s findings reveal a glaring gap: less than 12% of VA’s public-facing and under 11% of internal websites meet full accessibility standards. This situation underscores a persistent barrier preventing individuals with disabilities from accessing vital services and benefits.
Senator Casey, a long-standing advocate for digital accessibility, emphasized the urgent need for the VA to rectify these shortcomings. His leadership has been instrumental in pushing for enhanced oversight and compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, aimed at ensuring equal access to federal technology for people with disabilities.
The urgency of these improvements cannot be overstated, as inaccessible technology hampers access to critical services like healthcare, employment, and social security for people with disabilities. In response to these challenges, Casey has spearheaded initiatives like the VA Website Accessibility Act and the proposed Veterans Accessibility Act, striving for a more inclusive and equitable digital environment for veterans and all individuals with disabilities.
As the VA confronts these findings, the call for immediate action reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of disability, have equal access to the government’s digital resources.