How the State of Maryland Created an Office of Accessibility

Scheduled at 10:15 am in Virtual D on Friday, November 15.

Speaker(s)

• Andrew Drummond, State Director of Accessibility, State of Maryland
• John Brennan, Assistant Secretary, State of Maryland

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format: Lecture
• Expertise Level: Intermediate
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

Learn how the State of Maryland launched it's first state Office of Accessibility and our Accessibility Officer Initiative. Gain an insight into the steps taken by government leaders to modernize government as it relates to digital accessibility.

Abstract

This session focuses on the State of Maryland's efforts to create an Office of Accessibility. The intention of this training will be to inform participants of the steps needed to recreate what we are accomplishing in Maryland within their college, university or municipal government. The presentation provides participants with the opportunity to learn how the State of Maryland created governance around accessibility. Participants will learn the steps and the efforts we made to create an Office of Accessibility. Learners are provided with real-world examples so they can strategize and plan how they could potentially create their own programs, initiatives or even a full blown office of accessibility within their organization.

Keypoints

1. The State of Maryland created comprehensive governance around digital accessibility.
2. Intergovernmental collaboration was paramount to our efforts in the creation of the Office of Accessibility.
3. Real-world examples to aid with strategizing and planning your own accessibility initiative or office.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Legal, Other, Procurement, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Andrew Drummond

With over 15 years of dedicated leadership within the field, I have built a strong track record in championing accessibility, particularly in the field of information technology. My expertise spans special education, higher education disability support, and assistive technology evaluation, culminating in a multifaceted proficiency in digital accessibility.

Certified as an accessibility professional by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, I have served as an expert witness in legal and administrative proceedings, highlighting my qualifications and commitment to the field.

Beyond formal recognition, I have made significant contributions to digital accessibility in the Metro DC area. I authored the State of Maryland's inaugural comprehensive digital accessibility policy, announced by Governor Wes Moore in January 2024. I have also shared my expertise on national platforms, addressing numerous conferences, participating in televised panel discussions within the technology industry, and serving as a guest lecturer at local universities. These engagements have allowed me to spread awareness about the critical importance of accessibility for all.

John Brennan

John Brennan is the Assistant Secretary of Operations for the Department of Disabilities and has been with the department since its inception in 2004. John has spent more than 20 years in the disability field and began at the National Federation of the Blind. He oversees the department's administration and operations, Maryland Technology Assistance Program and Telecommunications Access of Maryland. His current areas of focus in the policy arena are non-visual access and affordable housing.