DELAWARE STATE SENATE

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 61

DESIGNATING MAY 18, 2023, AS “GLOBAL ACCESSIBILTY AWARENESS DAY” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, 2023 marks the 12 ^th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), which takes place on the third Thursday of May each year; and

WHEREAS,  the purpose of GAAD is to get people talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion ; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 26 percent of Americans have disabilities, and up to 24 percent of Delaware residents have a disability; and

WHEREAS, using technology can be challenging for those who live with visual impairments, hearing impairments, or other disabilities ; and

WHEREAS, the goal of GAAD is to encourage web developers and designers to ensure computers, websites, social media, and mobile phone applications are accessible to all ; and

WHEREAS, technology and the internet have become integral parts of everyday life; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s Government Information Center (GIC) and Department of Technology and Information (DTI) are working to make state government electronic information and technology accessible to those who live with visual impairments and other disabilities; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to ensure that technology is accessible for everyone.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the General Assembly affirms the importance of making the internet and technology accessible to all, and hereby designates May 18, 2023, as “Global Accessibility Awareness Day” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly encourages expanded efforts to keep Delaware residents properly informed about the need for equitable digital access and inclusion.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution designates May 18, 2023 as "Global Accessibility Awareness Day" in the State of Delaware, affirms the importance of making the internet and technology accessible to all, and encourages expanded efforts to keep Delaware residents properly informed about the need for equitable digital access and inclusion.

Author: Senator Huxtable