To achieve and maintain independence in a changing world, every citizen needs information that is usable, understandable, and affordable. Maine State government's facilities, technologies, and services that are sources of information must be designed to provide universal access. By incorporating universal design, information systems can accommodate the many different individuals see, hear, talk, move, and think. Universal design of Maine's information resources has the potential to benefits all citizens. An information system that is accessible to everyone is essential for Maine to be globally competitive.
Universal access gives all citizens the opportunity to participate in the economy.
To be fully accessible to everyone, Maine's information systems must be planned, designed and implemented with the active participation of people with disabilities and other individuals with special needs. Awareness and understanding of universal design and universal access should be integral to all aspects of Maine's community life. Maine's State government should be a national model and leader in providing universal access. Universal access to information resources requires a coordinated, cooperative effort by Maine State government, education, business, and communities, crossing all organizational boundaries. Achieving universal access will be an evolutionary process, requiring compromise and choices.