Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02) has introduced a bill that would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study and submit a plan to Congress that would make VA websites accessible for disabled veterans.
“Disabled veterans sacrificed for America,” Congresswoman Luria said. “They deserve equal access to the benefits they have earned, and I am honored to champion their cause.”
A 20-year Navy veteran who took office in January, Congresswoman Luria has met with groups such as the Blinded Veterans Association to better understand the unique challenges they face in accessing the benefits they have earned.
No later than 180 days after Congresswoman Luria’s bill passes, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs would have to conduct a study of all websites of the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine whether the websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities. (In this case “websites” include kiosks at VA medical facilities, which often are required to check in for scheduled appointments.)
Within 90 days of the study’s completion, the Secretary would be required to submit a comprehensive report to Congress highlighting websites, files, or web-based applications that are not accessible to individuals with disabilities. As part of the report to Congress, the Secretary would provide a plan to bring the online material into compliance.
The compliance standard would be Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
A copy of Congresswoman Luria’s bill can be seen here.
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