November 12, 2025 • 9 mins
Alex and Amy are joined by NASCIO Policy Analyst Kalea Young-Gibson to talk about IT Accessibility making it into the State CIO Survey for the first time and what is driving this issue as a priority for states. We also discuss the foundational ways states are collaborating with local goverments.
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Episode Transcript
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Amy Glasscock (00:05):
Hi, and welcome to Nassio Voices, where we talk
all things state IT.
I'm Amy Glasscock in Lexington,Kentucky.
Alex Whitaker (00:11):
And I'm Alex Whitaker in Washington, D.C.
Today we are continuing ourconversation about the findings
from the 2025 State CIO Survey.
And here today to chat with usabout IT accessibility as well
as state and local collaborationis our very own policy analyst,
Kalia Young Gibson.
Amy Glasscock (00:27):
Kalia, welcome back to the podcast and thanks
for taking the time to chat withus today.
Kalea Young-Gibson (00:31):
Absolutely.
This is like my second home atthis point.
Happy to be here.
Amy Glasscock (00:34):
Yes, absolutely.
All right.
So uh we are talking about thesections of the survey that you
are most familiar with.
So let's start withaccessibility.
I'm pretty sure 2025, actually,I know 2025 was the first time
that we included ITaccessibility specifically in a
state CIO survey.
Can you talk a little bit aboutthe evolution of IT
(00:55):
accessibility as a focus forNASIO and the reason that it was
included in this year's survey?
Kalea Young-Gibson (01:00):
Yeah, so accessibility has really evolved
into kind of like a frontburner issue for NASIO.
We started with an ITaccessibility working group
after we did some digging intothe DOJ final rule.
At the last few conferences,we've held sessions and
roundtables to dig intodifferent challenges and
opportunities and justmulti-state collaboration around
(01:22):
accessibility.
And we've also published anumber of papers, including one
on accessibility and procurementthat was actually released this
morning.
So all of that momentum plusthe passion that we're seeing
from accessibility coordinatorsacross the country has really
led us to what I think is aculminating point, which is
hosting the very first ITaccessibility coordinator
(01:43):
leadership summit in in Kentuckythis December.
So when you look at thattrajectory, it just makes
perfect sense that accessibilitylanded on the CIO top 10 list
this year for the first time.
I think states are realizingit's not just about compliance
anymore, it's actually aboutbuilding a culture of digital
equity.
Amy Glasscock (02:00):
Yeah.
Yeah.
And as you just mentioned, uhit was on the CIO top 10 list
for the first time last year.
So for the 2025, titled the2025 top 10 list.
And I just think that's soimportant because, you know,
there's a lot of issues outthere.
There, I mean, there are issuesthat would make 11 through 20
if we kept, you know, adding tothe list.
But um, you know, we do try tostay focused on things that are
(02:22):
most important to state CIOs andum technology offices, and
accessibility was one of thosetop issues for this year.
So yeah, it makes a lot ofsense.
Um, so I know uh it's becomingincreasingly important for
states to hire an accessibilitycoordinator.
You talked a little bit aboutthat.
What are the stats aroundstates hiring statewide
accessibility coordinators fromfrom the survey?
Kalea Young-Gibson (02:44):
Yeah, so I think we're seeing a very
similar uh momentum shift towhat you, Amy, might have
experienced a few years ago withthe CPOs.
Um so as of now, over half ofCIOs, um, which equates to 52%,
now have a statewideaccessibility coordinator in
their organization.
And another 14% have one that'sin a different agency.
So that that's a really bigstep forward because having a
(03:06):
dedicated leader really helpskeep accessibility front and
center, and it also kind ofhelps make sure that you know
your CIO or other people in theoffice aren't also taking on
extra work that they may or maynot be familiar with.
But about a third of statesstill don't have that role at
all, and that's often becausefunding requests have been
denied.
So while progress is happening,it's a little bit uneven, and
(03:28):
that's exactly why NASIO isbringing coordinators together
um in December to sharestrategies and build a stronger
national network in addition todiscussing the final rule.
Amy Glasscock (03:37):
Awesome.
Alex Whitaker (03:38):
Yeah, so you've talked about the DOJA role
itself being a big driver toelevating this issue.
And I'm wondering what is thebiggest barrier to states when
actually implementing the DOJrule?
Kalea Young-Gibson (03:47):
Um, you might find this surprising, but
the number one barrier isfunding.
Um states can uh yeah, statescan usually find money for like
the initial assessments, but thereal challenge is paying for
and keeping up with that fullremediation, which includes
redesigning websites, updatingmobile apps, training current
staff, potentially hiring newstaff, and monitoring
(04:09):
compliance.
Um, more than half of CIOs toldus in this year's survey that
they don't have dedicatedfunding streams for
accessibility services.
Um that means a lot of statesare just piecing together
budgets from general funds,one-time appropriations, or just
agency self-funding.
So it's a patchwork approachand it makes it hard to sustain
long-term progress.
Alex Whitaker (04:29):
Um so let's shift now to my favorite topic, of
course, state and localcollaboration.
This has been on the surveybefore, but what are the top
services that CIO organizationsoffer to local governments right
now?
Kalea Young-Gibson (04:40):
Yeah, so when we ask this question, um,
just about the kinds of servicesthey provide, CIOs provide to
local governments, a clear setof essentials kind of rose to
the top.
So you can think of things likeGIS, which is Geographic
Information Systems that helpswith mapping and planning.
Then you've got networkservices, co-location, uh
security services, and datacenter hosting.
(05:02):
So, in other words, thebackbone stuff that keeps local
governments connected, secure,and able to manage their data
effectively.
These aren't the flashy extrasthat a lot of other states that
you see in like the executiveagencies, um, but they're
definitely the more coreinfrastructure pieces that local
governments rely on everyminute of every day.
Amy Glasscock (05:21):
How does this list compare to the last time
that we asked the question in2022?
Kalea Young-Gibson (05:26):
So, what's interesting about that is when
we look back at the 2022 surveyand we look at this year's
survey, the answers were almostidentical.
Back then, the top four werenetwork services, data center
hosting, security services, andGIS.
Fast forwarding to now, andthose same services are still
leading the pack withco-location getting a mention
(05:47):
this year.
So that consistency tells ussomething important.
Um, local governments have asteady, ongoing need for these
foundational IT services.
It's not a passing trend, it'smore of a reflection of the
long-term demand for reliableconnectivity, secure systems,
and stronger data management.
Alex Whitaker (06:05):
Awesome, Kalia.
Well, thank you so much forhelping us dig into these
sections a little bit more.
Always appreciate yourperspective.
But of course, we aren't gonnalet you out of here without a
session of the lightning round.
Are you ready?
I am ready.
Okay, question one.
What's been the mostinteresting thing that you've
taken on at NASIO that youdidn't expect would be
(06:25):
interesting?
Kalea Young-Gibson (06:26):
So, hmm, that's a really good question.
And I'm honestly, I don't thinkit's like a concept, like a
hard content concept, but I willsay when I first heard that I
would be going to techconferences twice a year, I
wasn't exactly sure what toexpect.
Um I'm like, okay, we're gonnasit up and talk about tech all
day.
But the conferences are now oneof my favorite parts about this
(06:50):
job.
Um, I never knew that techcould be so interesting.
And I think part of what makesit interesting is not only like
the content that we discuss, butalso the people who work in
tech.
Um, I've met some really,really great people, learned a
lot from state and corporatemembers alike, as well as the
team.
Um, so the interesting thing tome that I've taken on is
(07:10):
honestly going to theconferences.
Amy Glasscock (07:13):
Yeah.
I feel like it's hard to sellNASIO as a fun place to work in
these job interviews, but itreally is.
Kalea Young-Gibson (07:18):
But it really is.
Like it really is.
Amy Glasscock (07:20):
And no, I'm not so surprised.
Kalea Young-Gibson (07:21):
I'm not getting paid extra to say this.
Like it really, really is oneof the best places to work.
Yes.
Amy Glasscock (07:28):
So as you mentioned, Calia, you are coming
to Lexington, Kentucky inDecember.
Uh, I believe this is yourfirst time ever.
It is Kentucky.
So what are you most lookingforward to?
Kalea Young-Gibson (07:38):
You know, this is going to sound cliche,
but I want to ride a horse.
I've never ridden a horse, andLexington is apparently the
horse capital of the world, Ithink.
Yep, but we try to say anyway.
So, yeah, I I want to ride ahorse, preferably with some
bourbon in my hand, but I don'tthink they'll allow it.
You can't you cannot drink anddrive within the horse.
Amy Glasscock (07:59):
Yeah.
Those are two separate tours,usually.
Yeah.
Alex Whitaker (08:03):
All right.
So, Kalia, uh, what was thebest thing about annual
conference, in your opinion,other than of course seeing your
fabulous colleagues in person?
Kalea Young-Gibson (08:11):
Absolutely.
Um, I saw my very first mummyat annual conference this past
year when we went to um themuseum.
I was in, I think I was in thatexhibit for like 30 minutes,
just like every every the mummymovie was flashing through my
head, like, oh my gosh, like youinspired emote.
You changed my childhood.
Um, so the best part wasdefinitely being able to see the
(08:34):
mummies, and that was just areally cool museum in general.
Amy Glasscock (08:37):
And just to clarify, we were at a museum, we
don't just like have mummieslike on stage or yeah.
Alex Whitaker (08:42):
I will say though, uh shout out, they're
doing a mummy four with theoriginal cast, and I'm very
excited.
Kalea Young-Gibson (08:48):
I'm so excited for Rachel Wise to come
back and play Evie.
Alex Whitaker (08:52):
You learn a lot from the Nassio podcast.
Kalea Young-Gibson (08:54):
Yeah, yeah.
Amy Glasscock (08:56):
All right.
Well, thanks again, Calia.
Um, thanks for coming on,talking about the survey, and we
will see you real soon here inLexington.
Kalea Young-Gibson (09:02):
All righty.
Sounds good.
Thanks for having me.
Thanks.
Bye.
Bye.
Amy Glasscock (09:08):
Thanks again for listening to NASIO Voices.
NASCIO Voices is a productionof the National Association of
State Chief InformationOfficers, or NASIO, on
NASIO.org.
Alex Whitaker (09:18):
And we'll be back soon with more on the State SEO
survey, partner research, andthe NASTIO top 10 for 2026, all
coming up before the end of theyear.
Amy Glasscock (09:26):
Take care.
Hi, and welcome to Nassio Voices, where we talk
all things state IT.
I'm Amy Glasscock in Lexington,Kentucky.
Alex Whitaker (00:11):
And I'm Alex Whitaker in Washington, D.C.
Today we are continuing ourconversation about the findings
from the 2025 State CIO Survey.
And here today to chat with usabout IT accessibility as well
as state and local collaborationis our very own policy analyst,
Kalia Young Gibson.
Amy Glasscock (00:27):
Kalia, welcome back to the podcast and thanks
for taking the time to chat withus today.
Kalea Young-Gibson (00:31):
Absolutely.
This is like my second home atthis point.
Happy to be here.
Amy Glasscock (00:34):
Yes, absolutely.
All right.
So uh we are talking about thesections of the survey that you
are most familiar with.
So let's start withaccessibility.
I'm pretty sure 2025, actually,I know 2025 was the first time
that we included ITaccessibility specifically in a
state CIO survey.
Can you talk a little bit aboutthe evolution of IT
(00:55):
accessibility as a focus forNASIO and the reason that it was
included in this year's survey?
Kalea Young-Gibson (01:00):
Yeah, so accessibility has really evolved
into kind of like a frontburner issue for NASIO.
We started with an ITaccessibility working group
after we did some digging intothe DOJ final rule.
At the last few conferences,we've held sessions and
roundtables to dig intodifferent challenges and
opportunities and justmulti-state collaboration around
(01:22):
accessibility.
And we've also published anumber of papers, including one
on accessibility and procurementthat was actually released this
morning.
So all of that momentum plusthe passion that we're seeing
from accessibility coordinatorsacross the country has really
led us to what I think is aculminating point, which is
hosting the very first ITaccessibility coordinator
(01:43):
leadership summit in in Kentuckythis December.
So when you look at thattrajectory, it just makes
perfect sense that accessibilitylanded on the CIO top 10 list
this year for the first time.
I think states are realizingit's not just about compliance
anymore, it's actually aboutbuilding a culture of digital
equity.
Amy Glasscock (02:00):
Yeah.
Yeah.
And as you just mentioned, uhit was on the CIO top 10 list
for the first time last year.
So for the 2025, titled the2025 top 10 list.
And I just think that's soimportant because, you know,
there's a lot of issues outthere.
There, I mean, there are issuesthat would make 11 through 20
if we kept, you know, adding tothe list.
But um, you know, we do try tostay focused on things that are
(02:22):
most important to state CIOs andum technology offices, and
accessibility was one of thosetop issues for this year.
So yeah, it makes a lot ofsense.
Um, so I know uh it's becomingincreasingly important for
states to hire an accessibilitycoordinator.
You talked a little bit aboutthat.
What are the stats aroundstates hiring statewide
accessibility coordinators fromfrom the survey?
Kalea Young-Gibson (02:44):
Yeah, so I think we're seeing a very
similar uh momentum shift towhat you, Amy, might have
experienced a few years ago withthe CPOs.
Um so as of now, over half ofCIOs, um, which equates to 52%,
now have a statewideaccessibility coordinator in
their organization.
And another 14% have one that'sin a different agency.
So that that's a really bigstep forward because having a
(03:06):
dedicated leader really helpskeep accessibility front and
center, and it also kind ofhelps make sure that you know
your CIO or other people in theoffice aren't also taking on
extra work that they may or maynot be familiar with.
But about a third of statesstill don't have that role at
all, and that's often becausefunding requests have been
denied.
So while progress is happening,it's a little bit uneven, and
(03:28):
that's exactly why NASIO isbringing coordinators together
um in December to sharestrategies and build a stronger
national network in addition todiscussing the final rule.
Amy Glasscock (03:37):
Awesome.
Alex Whitaker (03:38):
Yeah, so you've talked about the DOJA role
itself being a big driver toelevating this issue.
And I'm wondering what is thebiggest barrier to states when
actually implementing the DOJrule?
Kalea Young-Gibson (03:47):
Um, you might find this surprising, but
the number one barrier isfunding.
Um states can uh yeah, statescan usually find money for like
the initial assessments, but thereal challenge is paying for
and keeping up with that fullremediation, which includes
redesigning websites, updatingmobile apps, training current
staff, potentially hiring newstaff, and monitoring
(04:09):
compliance.
Um, more than half of CIOs toldus in this year's survey that
they don't have dedicatedfunding streams for
accessibility services.
Um that means a lot of statesare just piecing together
budgets from general funds,one-time appropriations, or just
agency self-funding.
So it's a patchwork approachand it makes it hard to sustain
long-term progress.
Alex Whitaker (04:29):
Um so let's shift now to my favorite topic, of
course, state and localcollaboration.
This has been on the surveybefore, but what are the top
services that CIO organizationsoffer to local governments right
now?
Kalea Young-Gibson (04:40):
Yeah, so when we ask this question, um,
just about the kinds of servicesthey provide, CIOs provide to
local governments, a clear setof essentials kind of rose to
the top.
So you can think of things likeGIS, which is Geographic
Information Systems that helpswith mapping and planning.
Then you've got networkservices, co-location, uh
security services, and datacenter hosting.
(05:02):
So, in other words, thebackbone stuff that keeps local
governments connected, secure,and able to manage their data
effectively.
These aren't the flashy extrasthat a lot of other states that
you see in like the executiveagencies, um, but they're
definitely the more coreinfrastructure pieces that local
governments rely on everyminute of every day.
Amy Glasscock (05:21):
How does this list compare to the last time
that we asked the question in2022?
Kalea Young-Gibson (05:26):
So, what's interesting about that is when
we look back at the 2022 surveyand we look at this year's
survey, the answers were almostidentical.
Back then, the top four werenetwork services, data center
hosting, security services, andGIS.
Fast forwarding to now, andthose same services are still
leading the pack withco-location getting a mention
(05:47):
this year.
So that consistency tells ussomething important.
Um, local governments have asteady, ongoing need for these
foundational IT services.
It's not a passing trend, it'smore of a reflection of the
long-term demand for reliableconnectivity, secure systems,
and stronger data management.
Alex Whitaker (06:05):
Awesome, Kalia.
Well, thank you so much forhelping us dig into these
sections a little bit more.
Always appreciate yourperspective.
But of course, we aren't gonnalet you out of here without a
session of the lightning round.
Are you ready?
I am ready.
Okay, question one.
What's been the mostinteresting thing that you've
taken on at NASIO that youdidn't expect would be
(06:25):
interesting?
Kalea Young-Gibson (06:26):
So, hmm, that's a really good question.
And I'm honestly, I don't thinkit's like a concept, like a
hard content concept, but I willsay when I first heard that I
would be going to techconferences twice a year, I
wasn't exactly sure what toexpect.
Um I'm like, okay, we're gonnasit up and talk about tech all
day.
But the conferences are now oneof my favorite parts about this
(06:50):
job.
Um, I never knew that techcould be so interesting.
And I think part of what makesit interesting is not only like
the content that we discuss, butalso the people who work in
tech.
Um, I've met some really,really great people, learned a
lot from state and corporatemembers alike, as well as the
team.
Um, so the interesting thing tome that I've taken on is
(07:10):
honestly going to theconferences.
Amy Glasscock (07:13):
Yeah.
I feel like it's hard to sellNASIO as a fun place to work in
these job interviews, but itreally is.
Kalea Young-Gibson (07:18):
But it really is.
Like it really is.
Amy Glasscock (07:20):
And no, I'm not so surprised.
Kalea Young-Gibson (07:21):
I'm not getting paid extra to say this.
Like it really, really is oneof the best places to work.
Yes.
Amy Glasscock (07:28):
So as you mentioned, Calia, you are coming
to Lexington, Kentucky inDecember.
Uh, I believe this is yourfirst time ever.
It is Kentucky.
So what are you most lookingforward to?
Kalea Young-Gibson (07:38):
You know, this is going to sound cliche,
but I want to ride a horse.
I've never ridden a horse, andLexington is apparently the
horse capital of the world, Ithink.
Yep, but we try to say anyway.
So, yeah, I I want to ride ahorse, preferably with some
bourbon in my hand, but I don'tthink they'll allow it.
You can't you cannot drink anddrive within the horse.
Amy Glasscock (07:59):
Yeah.
Those are two separate tours,usually.
Yeah.
Alex Whitaker (08:03):
All right.
So, Kalia, uh, what was thebest thing about annual
conference, in your opinion,other than of course seeing your
fabulous colleagues in person?
Kalea Young-Gibson (08:11):
Absolutely.
Um, I saw my very first mummyat annual conference this past
year when we went to um themuseum.
I was in, I think I was in thatexhibit for like 30 minutes,
just like every every the mummymovie was flashing through my
head, like, oh my gosh, like youinspired emote.
You changed my childhood.
Um, so the best part wasdefinitely being able to see the
(08:34):
mummies, and that was just areally cool museum in general.
Amy Glasscock (08:37):
And just to clarify, we were at a museum, we
don't just like have mummieslike on stage or yeah.
Alex Whitaker (08:42):
I will say though, uh shout out, they're
doing a mummy four with theoriginal cast, and I'm very
excited.
Kalea Young-Gibson (08:48):
I'm so excited for Rachel Wise to come
back and play Evie.
Alex Whitaker (08:52):
You learn a lot from the Nassio podcast.
Kalea Young-Gibson (08:54):
Yeah, yeah.
Amy Glasscock (08:56):
All right.
Well, thanks again, Calia.
Um, thanks for coming on,talking about the survey, and we
will see you real soon here inLexington.
Kalea Young-Gibson (09:02):
All righty.
Sounds good.
Thanks for having me.
Thanks.
Bye.
Bye.
Amy Glasscock (09:08):
Thanks again for listening to NASIO Voices.
NASCIO Voices is a productionof the National Association of
State Chief InformationOfficers, or NASIO, on
NASIO.org.
Alex Whitaker (09:18):
And we'll be back soon with more on the State SEO
survey, partner research, andthe NASTIO top 10 for 2026, all
coming up before the end of theyear.
Amy Glasscock (09:26):
Take care.
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