1. State of Maine Office of the CIO THERE ARE NO BOUNDAIRES TO WHAT WE CAN ACCOMPLISH WITH TECHNOLOGY, WHEN THERE ARE NO BARRIERS TO BLOCK OUR ACCESS.

2. State of Maine Accessibility Guidelines, Standards and Policies The State of Maine has developed the following policies, guidelines and standards to ensure we deploy technology that is accessible to all. The first policy was deployed in 1998 and they are reviewed and updated regularly. Website accessibility policy Accessibility language in State contracts through Department of Purchasing Accessibility language in State contracts through Department of Purchasing Computer Application Program Accessibility Standard Accessible Software Development (Vendor and In-house) via Testing Methodology Accessible Software Development (Vendor and In-house) via Testing Methodology Oracle, accessibility and PL/SQL on the web

3. Target Audience for Accessibility Policies and Standards It shall be the policy of the State of Maine that information and services are accessible to all individuals, regardless of physical or mental challenges they may face. Policies are meant to be all inclusive rather than to be targeted to one particular consumer group.

4. Who is Required to Comply? Maines Executive Branch is required to comply with the policies and standards. The Judicial and Legislative Branches voluntarily work with the Executive Branch to meet compliance requirements for standards and policies.

5. Waiver Process Policy compliance is overseen by the Office of the CIO. The CIO may grant an exception to an accessibility policy based on undue burden, provided that the requestor demonstrates they have a reasonable accommodation and/or a plan to come into compliance with the policy.

6. How Could Maine Improve our Accessibility Policies? Provide funding to assist all State Agencies in meeting the policy requirements. Funding could provide: Dedicated compliance testing personnel Ongoing accessibility training for webmasters, software developers and technology procurement specialists Additional awareness training Contract staff dedicated to accessibility related projects