Vermont would have a disability access coordinator if funded

A permanent coordinator in Vermont’s Agency of Administration would oversee efforts to follow disability rights laws across state government. The work would cover state programs, services, activities, and facilities. Duties would include training employees, checking access, and overseeing efforts to find and correct violations. The act would take effect only if the fiscal year 2027 budget sets aside $150,000 for the position. The coordinator would ensure equally effective communication with people with disabilities, giving primary consideration to each person’s preferred way of communicating. The proposed act names July 1, 2026, as its effective date, provided the required budget funding has been approved.

The Secretary of Administration would consider only candidates nominated by the four listed organizations. Nominations would come from the Human Rights Commission, Disability Rights Vermont, the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, and the Vermont Center for Independent Living. Candidates would need personal experience of a disability and completion of a recognized Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator certificate program. Candidates would also need knowledge of disability rights laws, state government, accessible communication formats, and tools that help people with disabilities. These hiring rules would apply only if the act takes effect with the required $150,000 in budget funding.