Accessibility Constituent Communication Act of 2025
The Accessibility Constituent Communication Act of 2025 would require every federal agency (including agency employees and contractors) to provide any distributed internal or public-facing agency communication to blind or visually impaired recipients in one or more specified accessible formats: Braille, reflowable large print, accessible audio, or an equivalent accessible digital data format such as an accessible or tagged PDF. The format-compliant communications must be distributed via United States mail or secure electronic delivery, coordinated with the standard (non-accessible) version. The bill creates a safe harbor so agencies that comply with the accessible-format requirements are not liable under Subtitle A of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act for distributing those communications to blind or visually impaired recipients. The act defines “agency” broadly to include public entities that administer various Federal benefits and services, and defines “communication” as publicly available information and materials, covering both internal and public-facing documents. Introduced in the 119th Congress (May 14, 2025) by Rep. Sessions and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the bill aims to strengthen accessibility of government communications for blind and visually impaired individuals and to standardize expectations for how agencies deliver information about benefits and services.
Key Points
- 1Mandatory accessible formats: Agencies must provide communications to blind or visually impaired recipients in Braille, reflowable large print, accessible audio, or an equivalent accessible digital format (e.g., tagged PDFs).
- 2Required distribution method: Accessible communications must be distributed by U.S. Mail or through secure electronic delivery systems, coordinated with the standard-format communication.
- 3Safe harbor from certain ADA liability: Agencies that comply with these requirements may not be held liable under Subtitle A of Title II for distributing such accessible communications to blind or visually impaired recipients.
- 4Scope and definitions: The act covers both internal and public-facing agency documents and includes employees and contractors; it defines “agency” as a public entity that administers various benefit programs and similar services with federal funding, and defines “communication” as publicly available information and materials.
- 5Implementation considerations: Agencies will need operational processes, including production of multiple formats, staff training, and potential use of contractors or accessibility vendors to produce Braille, large print, audio, and tagged digital formats.