Dear General Laws Subcommittee #4 members- on behalf of the City of Falls Church Council, I submit the following comments to OPPOSE HB1957 as currently proposed. The City is committed to and in full support of the VPPA benefits for transparent and open competitive procurement but it also must be balanced with the benefit to the taxpayers funding for cost-effective and risk- mitigation projects. Specific successful City examples are noted below. Design Build and Construction Management at Risk are very valuable contracting instruments for a locality’s construction-procurement toolbox. Current law allows for their use for projects over $26 million and for complex projects below that amount. We strongly request that these thresholds are left as currently specified or that local governments be exempted. The decision of which construction method provides the best project outcome and benefit should be based on the individual project per the locality. If this legislation is not amended, as suggested above, then we recommend that it be referred to the Procurement Study Group for full balanced analysis of the issues, to prevent unintended negative consequences to taxpayers of the Commonwealth and/or achieve a middle ground alternative (i.e. time limit of 10-years then contract award is rebid). The City has recently used the construction management At Risk (CM) contract for two projects, the City Hall and Public Library Renovation and Expansion. Both were complex and under $15M so within existing financial thresholds. Also, as a small locality we have qualified construction project management staff but also limited quantity of staff. So, CM has proven to be a time efficient method to have an upfront competitive process for a consolidated construction management contract, inclusive of all subs, while also be cost effective for the citizens to maximize the scope affordability. We have also used design-build projects in the past. Since time is money, we believe these two construction procurement tools benefit both the private and public stakeholders and no state code change is warranted. If we can be of further assistance and/or clarify any of these comments please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your service to the Commonwealth. Cindy Cindy L. Mester, ICMA-CM Deputy City Manager Pension Plan Administrator/ Risk Manager 300 Park Avenue, Suite 203E Falls Church, VA 22046 phone: 703-248-5042 (TTY 711) cell: 571-641-5586 fax: 703-248-5146 email: cmester@fallschurchva.gov

The City of Roanoke is opposed the HB 1957 as it limits our ability to make the decision as to which construction method is best suited to an individual project.

Please OPPOSE!! The City of Portsmouth strongly opposes this bill. Based on past experience, it would have minimal impact on the City with respect to the design-build process and therefore, the construction services aspect in general. However, if this applies to all construction services, even those not associated with design-build projects, it would present a problem. Those services are typically provided by our on-call annual services consultants who have previously been procured through using an RFQ to perform a number of A/E services to include construction services as spelled out in the RFQ.”

As a resident that lives in close proximity to the Catawba Hospital, I and several other neighbors have concerns. There are currently two ways into Catawba Hospital. One being from Keffer Road, which I consider the back entrance and the main entrance from Catawba Creek Road. We are not opposing the renovations, however we do feel some safety measures need to be added. 1. A fence needs to be placed around the full facility. Since we moved into the area in 2016, there have been 2 escapes. We often do not receive the emergency phone calls in a timely manner (it is several hours later) and they come from an 804 area code, not a 540. I don't answer phone calls out of the area. The residents need to be notified by every means possible, such as text also. 2. Keffer Road is a narrow, curvy residential neighborhood Road that is 25 mph. Most employees, delivery drivers, government employees use Keffer Road to access the hospital. I propose that this entrance to the hospital be closed and all business at the hospital needs to be done through the main entrance on Catawba Creek Road. The hospital staff treat Keffer Road like it's an interstate, exceeding way above the 25 mph limit. At one time many residents have placed signs on their property to remind them to "Drive like your kids live here". The employees are not allowed to smoke on hospital property for their breaks. So they will leave the property for their smoke break. One of the neighbors recently had an employee back into her driveway and sit there for his smoke break. Please review my concerns. Again, I support the need for mental health, but there are some safety protocols that need to be put in place too for the surrounding neighbors. Once the hospital gets renovated and expanded, it means more employees and staff will be using Keffer Road, which means more traffic, if the traffic is not diverted to the main entrance. This is going to be a drastic change to our community and we just want to make sure our voice is heard too and protect the reason why we chose this area to live.

HB 2192- Good Afternoon, My name is Jon Dance and I am a person in recovery. I am writing in support of HB 2192 as a member of the Recovery Communities in Virginia a resident of Montgomery County. The need for more support services such as Cawtaba Hospital is a must in our area for those suffering from Substance Use and/ or Mental Health Disorders. Speaking from experience of the benefits of treatment and receiving the necessary support and resources I am 5 years into my own Recovery and 2.5 years substance free. Because of the support and resources of a treatment facility such as the proposed Catawba Hospital Bill, I was able to return to Virginia Tech to obtain my bachelor's degree in Human Development and graduate in May of 2023 and also dual enrolled in a Masters of Public Health Program graduating May of 2024. My hopes are to continue to provide support and advocate for those still suffering. I have worked with adults and students who are in recovery or curious about recovery as a R-CPRS and being involved with the Virginia Tech Recovery Community, Hokies for SUD Recovery, and also helped with starting the Recovery Organization for Community College Students in Southwest Virginia. Please consider this mine and many others in SWVA's support for this bill.

The Roanoke Regional Chamber strongly supports passage and funding of HB 2192. The renovation of Catawba Hospital as a state of the art substance abuse and mental health treatment facility is sorely needed to address the outcomes of the opioid crisis and the prevalence of mental/behavioral health disorders. Its location in a region where substance abuse and mental health disorders are on the rise makes it an ideal place to treat these conditions. We thank the committee for it’s consideration and ask for support of this vital project.

Comments Document

See attached letter of support from United Way of the National Capital Area.

In her book, Raising Lazarus: Hope, Justice, and the Future of America’s Overdose Crisis, Roanoke writer Beth Macy, cites that “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than a million Americans have died from drug overdose since 1996, the largest factor by far in decreasing life expectancy for Americans.” Since publication of her groundbreaking book, Dopesick, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, overdose deaths have increased by more than 50%, and noting that “addiction has become the No. 1 destroyer of families in our time, with almost a third of Americans reporting it as a serious cause of family strife, and drug overdoses claiming the lives of more than 100,000 Americans in a year. In the Roanoke Valley and parts of Southwest Virginia, we have seen overdose deaths in the range of four times the number of deaths by gun violence. In 2019, as a response to this growing epidemic, over two hundred community partners joined efforts to create the Roanoke Valley Collective Response and have developed a Blueprint for Action which includes essential grassroots and government led responses toward a comprehensive continuum of care to address addiction and create sustainable recovery models including recovery care, health care and housing. According to a report submitted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Data from the State indicates that between 35% and 55% of all patients at the State’s hospitals analyzed in the report prepared for the Commonwealth, suffered both from substance use disorder and a mental health illness. The report further recognized the immediate need for approximately 100-150 acute behavioral health beds, 80-120 residential substance use disorder treatment beds and 16 detox beds in the surrounding Catawba Hospital area. We are grateful to Delegate Sam Rasoul for introducing the re-imagining of the Catawba Campus to address these essential recovery needs in our region and as a model for the State, and to the Governor and General Assembly for championing the connection between substance abuse disorder, mental health support, and increased access to recovery services in a health care setting. These actions are bold and combined with local grassroots efforts in a continuum of care from effective harm reduction, addition and recovery education, recovery housing, and restored health and wholeness, we will see a comprehensive reduction and slowing of this epidemic. I wholeheartedly support this HB2192 and its full funding in the state’s budget. Vice-Mayor Joe Cobb

The report submitted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee and the House Appropriations Committee in December and January, vividly demonstrates the need for a transformation of the Catawba Hospital Campus into a best-in-class expanded facility. As noted in the report, more than 100,000 people in the United States died from drug overdoses in 2021, 2,656 of those were Virginians and sadly, the Roanoke region is one of the hardest hit areas of Virginia. Our local coordinated response to the Opioid epidemic, the Roanoke Valley Collective Response recently completed a white paper – “Building on Hope”, analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on the opioid addiction crisis in the Roanoke region. The report notes significant increases in overdoses, instances of depression or anxiety and fatigue experienced by the region’s caregivers. Data from the State indicates that between 35% and 55% of all patients at the State’s hospitals analyzed in the report prepared for the Commonwealth, suffered both from substance use disorder and a mental health illness. The report further recognized the immediate need for approximately 100-150 acute behavioral health beds, 80-120 residential substance use disorder treatment beds and 16 detox beds in the surrounding Catawba Hospital area. A bold and meaningful response to this crisis needed. The Governor and General Assembly have taken the first vital step by commissioning the referenced study and report. Delegate Rasoul has taken the next critical step in requesting funding to fulfill the recommendations of the report. Our region, through its Collective Response has been on the ground providing resources, services and help for those in need. And many of our region’s elected and appointed officials are here today to voice their support for additional actions. HB2192 has the ability to take this bold and meaningful response and turn into actual action – much needed action, and for that reason as Mayor of the City of Roanoke, I am in full support of the Bill and request your support of the same. - Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.

I am writing to express the City of Roanoke’s support of HB2192, with the goal of transforming Catawba Hospital into a state-of-the-art facility addressing the full spectrum of substance use disorder treatment, recovery services, and behavioral health services necessary to meet the growing need in our region. As you are aware, in 2021 through funding support by the City, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission became the home of a staffed, formalized Roanoke Valley Collective Response, under the leadership of an Advisory Committee representing organizations that had led the Collective since its inception. The City of Roanoke was a supporter of last year’s bill to study the potential expansion of Catawba Hospital to meet both your vision and the critical needs of the region. Just recently, the Roanoke Valley Collective Response completed Building on Hope, a white paper that analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on the opioid addiction crisis in the Roanoke Valley. The report notes an overall increase of 30% in overdose rates nationwide, a 9% increase in adults reporting in adults reporting issues with depression or anxiety in 2021 over 2018 as identified in Carilion Clinic’s Community Health Survey, and a sharp increase in compassion fatigue experienced by the region’s caregivers and public safety staff, just to list a few of the many impacts. Broadly, the City and the Collective Response recognize that every aspect of this crisis, from prevention to treatment to workforce reentry, has become more critical and in need of more and better services to help those in our City and region, struggling with substance use disorder. A reinvigorated and well-resourced Catawba Hospital would be a vital tool in meeting this need. As Mayor of the City of Roanoke, I stand ready to support this effort to further the development of Catawba Hospital. I appreciate your leadership on this effort. Should you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me. Bob Cowell City Manager Roanoke Virginia

Thank you members of this committee, for taking the time to hear this bill. My name is Brittany James, and I am a student at Virginia Tech. I am currently the lead organizer of Hokies for SUD recovery at Virginia Tech, and I am asking you to support HB2192. This bill prioritizes the needs of Southwest Virginians. The repurposing of Catawba Hospital into a state-of-the-art SUD recovery facility would bring treatment, resources, and long-term care to a centralized location, and would be easily accessible for many individuals. I have heard many stories from the members of the Virginia Tech Recovery Community, and I want to emphasize this bill's importance to Southwestern Virginia. This bill would greatly benefit a number of constituents, particularly those in recovery from Substance Use Disorder. This bill would also improve the existing mental healthcare systems already in place at Catawba Hospital, giving those in recovery a safe environment as well as potential long-tern care. Once again, I want to speak on behalf of thousands of constituents across Southwestern Virginia who could benefit from HB2192 and ask for your support for HB2192.

On behalf of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to express support of HB2192. Transforming Catawba Hospital into a state-of-the-art facility addressing the full spectrum of substance abuse disorder treatment, recovery services, and behavioral health services is necessary to meet the growing need in our region. A recent report by the Roanoke Valley Collective Response documented an overall increase of 30% in overdose rates nationwide. The many consequences of substance abuse and the associated costs in lost productivity and economic output, and the social and health-related costs to individuals, families, communities, the Commonwealth, and our nation are devastating in every measure. HB2192 offers a realistic opportunity to begin to mitigate and prevent these losses to our economy and society -- an opportunity that may not be available is less favorable budgetary times. Botetourt County encourages your strong support of HB2192 and stands as a willing partner to help address this critical need across our Commonwealth. Thank you.

Comments Document

REGARDING HB2192 | Rasoul | Catawba Hospital, substance abuse treatment and recovery services January 25, 2023 Delegate Sam Rasoul Virginia House of Delegates, 11th District P.O. Box 13842 Roanoke, Virginia 24037 Dear Delegate Rasoul, On behalf of the Board of Directors of United Way of Roanoke Valley, I am writing to express our support for HB2192, with the goal of transforming Catawba Hospital into a state-of-the-art facility addressing the full spectrum of substance use disorder treatment, recovery services, and behavioral health services necessary to meet the growing need in our region. Just recently, the Roanoke Valley Collective Response completed Building on Hope, a white paper that analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on the opioid addiction crisis in the Roanoke Valley. The report notes an overall increase of 30% in overdose rates nationwide, a 9% increase in adults reporting in adults reporting issues with depression or anxiety in 2021 over 2018 as identified in Carilion Clinic’s Community Health Survey, and a sharp increase in compassion fatigue experienced by the region’s caregivers and public safety staff, just to list a few of the many impacts. Addiction, substance abuse disorders, and mental illness are often among the most significant barriers to housing and employment – which are key to attaining financial stability. A reinvigorated and well-resourced Catawba Hospital would be a vital tool in meeting the growing need for mental health services, and facilitate access to others. Our United Way’s vision to elevate 10,000 families to self-sufficiency seeks to impact residents in the geographic area contiguous to Catawba Hospital, and would undoubtedly be a resource for many that we serve. Our United Way is fully supportive of HB2192. We are happy to participate in the next steps in the process to the extent we are able, and are eager to see the results of this important and timely work. Thank you for your leadership in this area of need. Sincerely, Abby V. Hamilton President and CEO

My name is Martha Hooker, Chairman of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. As the representative for the Catawba District I know that our community is very proud of the work the Catawba Hospital provides in this region. With the acreage provided on the Catawba Hospital campus, I believe the additional footprint added for substance abuse disorder and rehab would work well with its current mission. The need for this type of care is great in our area and we desire all our citizens to be able to return to being productive in the community and having healthy family experiences. I believe the addition to the Catawba Hospital will help meet this need. Moreover, the regional support extends to area members of the House as co -patrons of HB 2192. We ask the committee to pass this bill and thank you for the support.

My name is Phil North, Chair of the Roanoke Valley Allegheny Regional Commission and member of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. Before the pandemic the rate of overdoses in our area was 21.5 per 100K population. As a result of the pandemic the rates of overdose have increased to 30.7 per 100K or 43%. The need in our area is great for a continuum of care to address substance abuse disorder and Catawba Hospital location will meet this need. Moreover, the regional support extends to area members of the House as co -patrons of HB 2192. We ask the committee to pass this bill and thank you for the support.

I think the plan to convert the Catawba Hospital to an additional tip. Recovery center and maintaining mental health services is an excellent idea. I think Catawba would be well suited to treat people with addiction during the acute phase and will need a well thought out transition plan for those same patients when they move from acute rehabilitation (6-8 weeks) to the sober living and intensive outpatient care when they will need access to transportation and jobs. The remote location of Catawba hospital lo It’s accessibility to jobs and transition to normal environment.

This bill would provide governmental entities in Virginia needed guidance in order to comply with other existing federal and Virginia laws that generally require accessibility. The ITAA has not been substantively amended since its passage in 1999, and is long overdue for an update. In particular, it does not require accessibility for all persons with disabilities, only those that are blind or visually impaired, despite that fact that accessibility requirements under other federal and Virginia law are not limited in this way. In addition, the reporting mechanism to the Secretary of Administration in the current law is ineffective, especially for a parent of a child with a disability who is seeking information about inaccessible technology that may affect their child. This bill maintains important exceptions from accessibility, while making it clear that covered entities need to consider compliance with other applicable federal and state laws when exempting something from the requirement to be accessible due to excessive cost.

I write asking you to support HB 2207. This bill updates a consequential piece of state code addressing access to information and communication technology for persons with disabilities that has not been updated since 1999. The updates ensure that our state code aligns with Federal legislation, identifies Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as the guiding standard for access to technologies, brings K-12 schools under the same directive as higher ed and state agencies allowing for greater collaboration opportunities, and asks each entity to assign a Digital Accessibility Coordinator. Should we have another emergency response such as we had with the pandemic, knowing who to contact with digital accessibility guidance will be extremely beneficial for all. Updating the code will allow all Virginians to participate more fully in employment, education, and services offered by the Commonwealth. Members of the Communications, Technology and Innovation committee website Thanks for anything you can do to help move this bill forward. -Christa

o HB 2207 will broaden the definition of people with disabilities to include all disabilities, not just those that are blind or visually impaired which is now the case under current state code. o HB 2207 will bring K-12 schools under the same directive (re: ICT accessibility) as higher education and state agencies thus allowing for more collaborative solutions throughout the Commonwealth. o HB 2207 asks each state entity to identify a Digital Accessibility Coordinator providing a contact for the dissemination of digital accessibility guidance and tools across the state. o HB 2207 identifies Section 508 as the digital accessibility standard thereby providing guidance when developing online job applications, academic online materials, and the development of digital tools for use by all Virginians. o HB 2207 will improve access to information and communications technology for all Virginians, including those with disabilities. This will not only lead to better educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities, but also increase opportunities for gainful employment.

HB 2207 is an easy bill to vote for - provides access and resources to all Virginians, regardless of disabilities. Digital platforms and technology have become crucial to navigate all things big and small and all Virginians should have equal access to these resources.

o HB 2207 will broaden the definition of people with disabilities to include all disabilities, not just those that are blind or visually impaired which is now the case under current state code. o HB 2207 will bring K-12 schools under the same directive (re: ICT accessibility) as higher education and state agencies thus allowing for more collaborative solutions throughout the Commonwealth. o HB 2207 asks each state entity to identify a Digital Accessibility Coordinator providing a contact for the dissemination of digital accessibility guidance and tools across the state. o HB 2207 identifies Section 508 as the digital accessibility standard thereby providing guidance when developing online job applications, academic online materials, and the development of digital tools for use by all Virginians. o HB 2207 will improve access to information and communications technology for all Virginians, including those with disabilities. This will not only lead to better educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities, but also increase opportunities for gainful employment.

As a deaf faculty member at the University of Virginia who benefits from captioning, I wholeheartedly support this bill. Disabled people can do so much if we give them the access and tools to succeed!

I ask that you please move House Bill 2207 forward, as it will improve access to information and communications technology for all Virginians, including those with disabilities. This will not only lead to better educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities, but also increase opportunities for gainful employment.

Please vote in support of House Bill 2207 introduced by Delegate Kathy Tran. Not only would HB 2207 update the current code to include all disabilities (currently it focuses only on the blind and visually impaired) it would provide cohesive direction to educators and providers from K-12 through higher education as well as state agencies. This would allow organizations and institutions across the Commonwealth of Virginia to leverage relevant resources and collaborate more effectively to more equitably serve our citizens. As an employee at an institution of higher education who is dedicated to advocating for increased access, I urge you to support this bill. Although I've observed great strides in the area of digital accessibility at our institution, much work lies ahead and this remains an under-resourced area of accessibility throughout the Commonwealth. Furthermore, as a parent of a K-12 student with multiple learning disabilities, I know how challenging it is for students and families to access and advocate for much-needed resources to ensure an equitable educational experience. With more equitable access, students can then focus on their learning. Our Commonwealth's future will be much brighter when it is inclusive of all learners who are then well-educated and prepared to innovate and problem-solve. Thank you for considering support of HB 2207.

I write asking you to support HB 2207. This bill updates a consequential piece of state code addressing access to information and communication technology for persons with disabilities that has not been updated since 1999. The updates ensure that our state code aligns with Federal legislation, identifies Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as the guiding standard for access to technologies, brings K-12 schools under the same directive as higher ed and state agencies allowing for greater collaboration opportunities, and asks each entity to assign a Digital Accessibility Coordinator. Should we have another emergency response such as we had with the pandemic, knowing who to contact with digital accessibility guidance will be extremely beneficial for all. Updating the code will allow all Virginians to participate more fully in employment, education, and services offered by the Commonwealth.

VCASE supports HB2207 for requiring expanded digital accessibility standards for Virginians with disabilities aligned with federal guidelines. It is critical that persons with a variety of disabilities have access to online digital resources as teaching, learning, therapies, counseling, commerce, civic engagement, and other state services have extensive use by citizens. ALL Virginians , including those who may have a wide array of disabilities, should be able to access Virginia online resources. Thank you.

I write asking you to support HB 2207. This bill updates a consequential piece of state code addressing access to information and communication technology for persons with disabilities that has not been updated since 1999. The updates ensure that our state code aligns with Federal legislation, identifies Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as the guiding standard for access to technologies, brings K-12 schools under the same directive as higher ed and state agencies allowing for greater collaboration opportunities, and asks each entity to assign a Digital Accessibility Coordinator. Should we have another emergency response such as we had with the pandemic, knowing who to contact with digital accessibility guidance will be extremely beneficial for all.

Dear Committee - I write asking you to support HB 2207. As a disability services practitioner, I strongly support the bill, which will increase accessibility for people with all types of disabilities. This bill updates a consequential piece of state code addressing access to information and communication technology for persons with disabilities that has not been updated since 1999. The updates ensure that our state code aligns with Federal legislation, identifies Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as the guiding standard for access to technologies, brings K-12 schools under the same directive as higher ed and state agencies allowing for greater collaboration opportunities, and asks each entity to assign a Digital Accessibility Coordinator. Should we have another emergency response such as we had with the pandemic, knowing who to contact with digital accessibility guidance will be extremely beneficial for all. This is a vitally important bill. I urge the committee to vote in favor of passage. Sincerely, Christina Wulf

Since 2016, 14 public school systems, 3 colleges and universities, 3 counties (Arlington, Loudoun, Fairfax), 1 town (Warrenton), and 1 public library have signed either consent decrees or resolution agreements for failure to ensure equivalent access to information and communications technology (ICT), resulting in significant costs to achieve compliance. HB2207 seeks to address this issue by modernizing the Code of Virginia’s Information Technology Access Act, which has not been updated since 1999. It does this in four specific ways: 1. First, it updates how we define disability and information and communications technology (ICT), as well as the entities covered by this act. The existing legislation only defines disability in the context of “blind” or “visually-impaired” individuals, which is inconsistent with the Code of Virginia’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Title 51.5-40.1), the Virginia Human Rights Act (Title 2.2-3900), and, on a federal level, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Likewise, the definition of “information technology” in the existing legislation is inconsistent with the scope of ICT as defined in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Additionally, “covered entity” in the existing legislation only references state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth. This does not cover public school divisions, which also fall under Title II of the ADA. More Virginians with disabilities are seeking educational and employment opportunities and there is greater variation in the types of disabilities that must be accommodated. 2. Second, it seeks to integrate accessibility reviews into the ICT purchasing processes of covered entities by asking vendors to provide Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACR), which tell us how well their product aligns with Section 508 standards. Where conformance falls short, we would also like the vendor to provide us with a timeline for when their product could meet conformance. Right now, the responsibility for determining that information, the risk of a lawsuit, and the associated costs are borne by each covered entity. 3. Third, HB 2207 introduces equally effective alternative access plans (EEAAP), which is consistent with the language the OCR already includes in some of their more recent consent decrees and resolution agreements. The spirit of this section of the bill is also consistent with Section 508’s Best Meets Exception which acknowledges the “non-availability of conforming ICT” in some sectors and the need to provide an “alternative means” when this is the case. In practice, some covered entities are already doing this. 4. Finally, HB 2207 calls for each covered entity to identify a digital accessibility coordinator who would oversee these efforts. The need to dedicate staffing and have in place a transparent “grievance procedure” for ICT accessibility efforts is consistent with existing precedent. In most instances, an acceptable “grievance procedure” is to simply publish the name and contact information of the individual overseeing these matters so that everyone knows who to contact. These updates will bring the ITAA into alignment with existing state and federal laws, reduce costs and risks, foster transparency, and improve ICT access for all Virginians. Thank you for considering these comments!

The City of Fredericksburg is supportive of digital accessibility, which is the overall goal of HB 2207. However, some of the specific requirements of HB 2207 may be difficult to implement. For example, the challenge that pops out immediately is the mandate to designate an employee to serve as the “digital accessibility coordinator.” In the case of the City of Fredericksburg, we are really challenged to recruit, hire, and retain IT staff as it is. There is a very competitive market for these skilled individuals. To ask an individual to “be responsible for ensuring the covered entity complies with [ADA and Virginia Disabilities Rights Act] is a very big lift. We think that HB 2207 might benefit from some time for localities to study, comment, generate fiscal impact, etc.

I write asking you to support HB 2207. This bill updates a consequential piece of state code addressing access to information and communication technology for persons with disabilities that has not been updated since 1999. The updates ensure that our state code aligns with Federal legislation, identifies Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as the guiding standard for access to technologies, brings K-12 schools under the same directive as higher ed and state agencies allowing for greater collaboration opportunities, and asks each entity to assign a Digital Accessibility Coordinator. Should we have another emergency response such as we had with the pandemic, knowing who to contact with digital accessibility guidance will be extremely beneficial for all. Updating the code will allow all Virginians to participate more fully in employment, education, and services offered by the Commonwealth.

I am writing in favor of House Bill 2207, which provides updates to the Code of Virginia's Information Technology Access Act. HB 2207 will broaden the definitions of people with disabilities. It will include K-12 schools in the ICT accessibility directive, which will greatly benefit K-12 students with disabilities. The addition of a Digital Accessibility Coordinator for each state entity will expand the accessibility guidance and tools available throughout the Commonwealth. HB 2207 will increase the availability of information and communications technology for all Virginians, including those with disabilities. The benefit of HB 2207 would be that people with disabilities could have better educational outcomes and more opportunities for gainful employment.

I am writing to ask that you modernize and update current state law which requires all digital tools and assets purchased and provided by state entities to be fully accessible for those individuals with disabilities. HB 2207 will broaden the definition of people with disabilities to include all disabilities, not just those that are blind or visually impaired. It will also specify Section 508 of the of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as the standard guidance for developing and procuring IT technology. As a webmaster and certified web accessibility specialist, I fully support this bill!

I write in strong support of this bill on both a personal and professional level. The Information Technology Act is over 20 years old, and woefully outdated. It is time for our state law to catch up to federal digital accessibility standards (such as Sec. 508) - of which most of the IHEs, K-12 systems, and state agencies should already be in compliance. This update is sorely needed, and will have a significant impact on improving access, inclusion, and quality of life for Virginians with disabilities. As the mother of a K-12 student with a vision impairment, working towards equal access for his education (such as accessible course materials in large print, navigating learning management systems, etc.) is obviously a personal mission that is very near and dear to my heart. As a professional in disability support services in higher education, I also walk this walk every day to support my students. This bill would significantly improve my son's educational experience to create systems for accessible technology as well as oversight to ensure that the schools are doing what they need to do to include him (and those like him) in the full educational experience. At my University, it will be to ensure that we (as an institution) are doing everything we can in our procurement processes and procedures to do the same for the thousands of students who attend. In short, I strongly urge you to support this bill. Thanks so much for your time.

I fully support HB2207 because it modernizes today's digital accessibility standards for Virginians with disabilities. Specifically: o HB 2207 will broaden the definition of people with disabilities to include all disabilities, not just those that are blind or visually impaired which is now the case under current state code. o HB 2207 will bring K-12 schools under the same directive (re: ICT accessibility) as higher education and state agencies thus allowing for more collaborative solutions throughout the Commonwealth. o HB 2207 asks each state entity to identify a Digital Accessibility Coordinator providing a contact for the dissemination of digital accessibility guidance and tools across the state. o HB 2207 identifies Section 508 as the digital accessibility standard thereby providing guidance when developing online job applications, academic online materials, and the development of digital tools for use by all Virginians. o HB 2207 will improve access to information and communications technology for all Virginians, including those with disabilities. This will not only lead to better educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities, but also increase opportunities for gainful employment.

As a professional working in the IT accessibility field, I see firsthand how inaccessible technologies impact students and professionals with disabilities. Many products used in K-12, higher education, and the workforce present significant barriers to access. With inaccessible technology, students and professionals can be at a significant disadvantage impacting their performance, productivity, and enjoyment of their work. It can be challenging to get software and web development companies to devote time and resources to making their products accessible, even if they know it is the right thing to do. HB 2207 aligns accessibility requirements and processes across K 12 education, higher education, and state agencies. This will allow us to leverage resources and systematically ensure software developers have accessibility built into their development timeline. This, In turn, helps to ensure that all Virginians have access to the tools needed to be successful in their pursuit of education and employment. Please support HB2207. Thank you.

I would like to submit my SUPPORT for HB2207. I work in higher education in a department which includes our student disability services, so this bill not only could positively impact our department, but also so many students across the Commonwealth. I support HB 2207 for many reasons. First, it will broaden the definition of people with disabilities to include all disabilities, which we now have a broader understanding about vs when the current state code was written (and only includes those that are blind or visually impaired). It will include K-12 schools under the same directive as higher education and state agencies which will promote more cohesive and consistent interventions, education, and understanding of students and families throughout the Commonwealth. It identifies Section 508 as the digital accessibility standard for developing online job applications, academic online materials, and digital tools for use by all Virginians. In addition, it will improve access to information and communications technology for all Virginians, including those with disabilities - the pandemic has only highlighted the need for this to occur. This will not only lead to better educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities, but also increase opportunities for gainful employment. Thank you!

o HB 2207 will broaden the definition of people with disabilities to include all disabilities, not just those that are blind or visually impaired which is now the case under current state code. o HB 2207 will bring K-12 schools under the same directive (re: ICT accessibility) as higher education and state agencies thus allowing for more collaborative solutions throughout the Commonwealth. o HB 2207 asks each state entity to identify a Digital Accessibility Coordinator providing a contact for the dissemination of digital accessibility guidance and tools across the state. o HB 2207 identifies Section 508 as the digital accessibility standard thereby providing guidance when developing online job applications, academic online materials, and the development of digital tools for use by all Virginians. o HB 2207 will improve access to information and communications technology for all Virginians, including those with disabilities. This will not only lead to better educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities, but also increase opportunities for gainful employment.

HB 2207 will improve access to information and communications technology for all Virginians, including those with disabilities. This will not only lead to better educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities, but also increase opportunities for gainful employment.

Listed as something that will be affected that will impact my role as an Instructional Designer: HB 2207 identifies Section 508 as the digital accessibility standard thereby providing guidance when developing online job applications, academic online materials, and the development of digital tools for use by all Virginians.

I am writing to ask you to vote in support of House Bill 2207, introduced by Del. Kathy Tran. HB 2207 would update current state code (Title 2.2, Chapter 35) to broaden the definition of people with disabilities to include all disabilities, not just those that are blind or visually impaired. It would also bring K-12 schools under the same directive as higher education and state agencies thus allowing for more collaborative solutions throughout the Commonwealth. Not only is it the right thing to do to ensure equal access for all Virginians, but the updates and modernization of current code would create a mechanism for oversight of procurement practices to ensure fiscal responsibility for the state.  HB 2207 will broaden the definition of people with disabilities to include all disabilities, not just those that are blind or visually impaired which is now the case under current state code; bring K-12 schools under the same directive as higher education and state agencies thus allowing for more collaborative solutions throughout the Commonwealth; asks each state entity to identify a Digital Accessibility Coordinator providing a contact for the dissemination of digital accessibility guidance and tools across the state; and, identifies Section 508 as the digital accessibility standard thereby providing guidance when developing online job applications, academic online materials, and the development of digital tools for use by all Virginians when interacting with state entities.