---
title: "#189: Breaking Digital Barriers in Washington State"
description: WaTech State CISO & agency leaders demo Seeing AI and reveal how new ADA standards are breaking down digital barriers for government accessibility.
image: https://techtables.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-19%20at%2012.17.30%20PM.png
---
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January 15, 2025
# #189: Breaking Digital Barriers in Washington State
 Joe Toste · 2 minute read
[mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com)
**Listen now: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@techtables) x [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-public-sector-show-by-techtables/id1661752549) x [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/0bFQBsDwKJkdNk2qENkhNL?si=387c7ae946694939)**
---
### 📬 **The TechTables Newsletter**
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### **Featuring:**
- **[Ralph Johnson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralfjnsn/)**, CISO, State of Washington
- **[Mary Craig](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marycraig2/)**, CIO, Washington State Department of Services for the Blind
- **[Erik Sandie](https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriksandie/)**, Strategic Account Manager, Island
### **What You’ll Learn:**
- How DSB's Orientation and Training Center helps individuals who lose vision learn essential skills - from computer literacy to independent living and employment skills
- The impact of Title II ADA changes on state and local government websites and mobile apps
- How enterprise browsers are evolving, with Gartner predicting universal adoption by 2032
- Why human-centered design is crucial for accessibility and the importance of proper website assessments over overlay solutions
- Real-world demonstrations of assistive technologies like Seeing AI and the transformative potential of services like Aira
- Why accessibility should be built into initial design and why it's often less expensive than organizations assume
### **Timestamps**
- ([02:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIoZkMIwLnY&t=120s)) DSB's Orientation and Training Center: Life-Changing Success Stories
- ([06:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIoZkMIwLnY&t=360s)) Ralph's Personal Journey: Tour of DSB and Assistive Technology Experience
- ([10:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIoZkMIwLnY&t=600s)) Erik's Passion for Accessibility Services
- ([10:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIoZkMIwLnY&t=630s)) Island's Enterprise Browser: Revolutionizing Security and Accessibility
- ([16:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIoZkMIwLnY&t=990s)) Title II ADA Changes: New Requirements for Government Websites
- ([18:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIoZkMIwLnY&t=1080s)) WCAG 2.1 Guidelines: Implementation Strategies and Contract Requirements
- ([22:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIoZkMIwLnY&t=1320s)) Washington State's Accessibility Initiatives and Leadership Support
- ([23:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIoZkMIwLnY&t=1380s)) Learning from Colorado: Successful State Accessibility Programs
- ([27:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIoZkMIwLnY&t=1620s)) Aira Service: Professional Visual Assistance Technology
- ([31:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIoZkMIwLnY&t=1860s)) Live Demo: Seeing AI Technology in Action
- ([32:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIoZkMIwLnY&t=1920s)) Final Thoughts: Accessibility Implementation and Cost Realities
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**2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: **The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.
Learn more: [https://techtables.com/collaboratory](https://techtables.com/collaboratory)
**3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: **a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action.
📧 **Interested?** Email Joe at[**joe@techtables.com**](mailto:joe@techtables.com)[mailto:joe@techtables.com](mailto:joe@techtables.com)
#### Subscribe to the Newsletter
Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.
#### **RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES - FROM THE 2024 PHOENIX LIVE PODCAST TOUR**
**→ [#179: Richard McHattie, Chris Chirgwin, Mike Hojnicki, Don Ingle - Transforming the Resident Experience: Insights from Top County CIOs](https://techtables.com/podcast/179/richard-mchattie-chris-chirgwin-mike-hojnicki-don-ingle)**
**→ ****[#180: J.R. Sloan, Ryan Murray & Doug Lange – Arizona State CIO, CISO & Former CSO Talk AI](https://techtables.com/podcast/180/j.r.-sloan-ryan-murray-doug-lange)**
**→ **[**#181: Dr. Bianca Lochner, Feroz Merchhiya, Dr. Muriel Reid, & Ken Williams – Smart Cities & Digital Innovation – Transforming Cities with AI & 5G**](https://techtables.com/podcast/181/dr.-bianca-lochner-feroz-merchhiya-dr.-muriel-reid-ken-williams)
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