DESIGNATING MAY 21, 2026, AS “GLOBAL ACCESSIBILITY AWARENESS DAY” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Huxtable & Rep. Berry & Rep. Neal

Sens. Hansen, Hocker, Sokola, Wilson; Reps. Griffith, K. Johnson, Morrison, Osienski, Romer, Ross Levin, Snyder-Hall

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 196

DESIGNATING MAY 21, 2026, AS “GLOBAL ACCESSIBILITY AWARENESS DAY” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, 2026 marks the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), which takes place on the third Thursday of May each year, aimed at raising awareness about digital accessibility and promoting inclusive design practices as 1 billion people worldwide have disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of GAAD is to get people talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion. By highlighting the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing information and technology, GAAD promotes inclusivity and encourages efforts to design products and services that are useable by everyone, regardless of ability; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 25 percent of Delaware adults has 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 to encourage designers and developers to think creatively about how to make technology more accessible to a diverse range of users, driving innovation and improving the user experience for everyone; and

WHEREAS, technology and the internet have become integral parts of everyday life and GAAD provides an opportunity for designers, developers, and other stakeholders to learn about accessibility best practices and techniques for designing inclusive digital experiences; 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, and GAAD fosters collaboration and dialogue to ensure this by providing a platform for sharing knowledge and reminding organizations of their obligations to ensure their digital content and technology comply with accessibility standards and guidelines, reducing the risk of discrimination and legal challenges; and

WHEREAS, “Global Accessibility Awareness Day” plays a crucial role in promoting digital inclusion, empowering individuals with disabilities, raising awareness, driving innovation, and fostering collaboration to create a more accessible and inclusive digital world for all.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd 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 21, 2026, 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 21, 2026, 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