Harris County – (July 9, 2025) - The Office of County Administration, in partnership with Universal Services, is proud to announce the launch of a new accessibility feature known as text-to-speech functionality on the public-facing Commissioners Court AGENDA website.

Debuting this week, the new feature will allow users to listen to the content of the Agenda website, including the agenda itself, via audio, enhancing accessibility for residents who may prefer or require auditory support rather than visual text.

This upgrade also includes ADA-compliant PDF capabilities and accessibility for downloadable documents. All agenda PDFs have been updated to meet modern accessibility standards, making them easier to navigate with screen readers and assistive technologies. Additionally, built-in translation tools will make the content available to residents in multiple languages, further expanding access to vital public information.

Sindhu Menon, Executive Director of Universal Services, added: “We are proud to lead the County’s digital transformation efforts by delivering innovative, inclusive solutions. The text-to-speech and ADA-compliant features are just the beginning of what we envision for a more equitable digital future.”

“Accessibility is a cornerstone of public service,” said Jesse Dickerman, Interim Harris County Administrator. “This update reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring all residents of Harris County can fully engage with their government, regardless of their abilities or the language they speak.”

A special thank you goes to the Universal Services Innovation Lab and all Court Offices for their collaboration in bringing this meaningful advancement to life.

To see a preview of the new features in action, including how easy it is to listen to text or access translated content, view the screenshots below.