Enhance Web Accessibility with Software that Fosters Digital Equity

Almost 30% of adults living in the United States have a disability. Many struggle to access websites and other digital spaces on a daily basis.

With the Department of Justice (DOJ) issuing a final rule earlier this year on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local government agencies must ensure websites and mobile applications are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Guided by the technical standards of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), there are 50 success criteria that websites are benchmarked against for accessibility.

Regardless of ability, every resident needs information and services from their local government — and it’s up to agencies to provide it in a way that’s accessible to everyone.

Bridging the accessibility gap will help your agency maintain compliance with the final DOJ ruling, reach all residents more effectively, and boost community engagement. Keep reading to find out how.

What is Digital Equity?

Digital equity is the idea that anyone should be able to access the technology, resources, and skills needed to participate in societal, economical, and governmental systems no matter their digital capabilities. It’s critical to civic and cultural engagement, specifically when accessing essential services like transportation, education, and community or government support.

Government agencies at every level are prioritizing digital equity so that all residents can access the information and services they need. Accessibility also supports more democratic engagement and helps agencies uphold legal standards and regulatory requirements.

Why It’s Important to Maintain Digital Equity on Government Websites

Improves Community Outcomes

Website accessibility provides residents and communities with what they need to thrive, and has the potential to improve health, education, and workforce outcome. When all residents can access essential services, information, and employment opportunities online, local governments are better positioned for inclusivity and equity.

Residents Need It

It’s estimated that 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a disability. Residents with disabilities encounter additional barriers that others don’t. For example, someone with a vision impairment may not be able to read your website content if it lacks accessibility features like screen reader compatibility, proper color contrasts, and text optimization.

These residents are often unable to access the services they need in the same format as the rest of the community. Web accessibility and digital equity means all residents can engage with local government and the community around them.

It Saves Money

On top of the above, you may run into non-compliance issues, which can cost you. Currently, the maximum penalty for a first ADA violation is $75,000 USD. Subsequent violations carry a price tag of up to $150,000 USD.

Related Read: The Long-Term Benefits of Digital Accessibility for Local Government

3 Ways Residents Benefit From Accessible Websites

Data from the CivicPlus Trust and Transparency Report found that 59% of residents prefer to access state and local services through a website. Residents with disabilities should be able to access government services through their preferred online channels, just as anyone else. Digital accessibility helps make this possible.

Prioritizing accessible online experiences will also benefit residents in the following ways:

1. Builds Trust through Transparency: Accessible government websites open services and information to everyone in a community. This type of transparency keeps residents connected to their local government, increasing trust in both the short- and long-term.
2. Increases Resident Satisfaction: Government websites are often the primary interface between the public and local leaders. Democratic participation and equitable access to services hinges on sites that are ADA and WCAG compliant. When residents can get the information and services they need, they are more likely to be satisfied with their local government.
3. Boosts Resident Engagement: When all residents can access information and services online, they are more likely to engage with their local government. This leads to more active and connected communities.

Accessibility Solutions Help Maintain Digital Equity

It can be a challenge to make sure your full website is accessible, but the right technology can help. Digital accessibility solutions identify and resolve accessibility errors on government websites and streamline legal compliance. Staff can work more efficiently and productively while resident lives are positively impacted.

How Agencies Benefit from Web Accessibility Software

Residents with disabilities often use assistive technology to help navigate online experiences. Screen readers and voice recognition solutions are common support technologies that people use every day. For government agencies, digital equity and accessibility software makes it easier to effectively serve their entire community with accessible online experiences.

Beyond creating equal access for all residents through digital accessibility, agencies that use the CivicPlus® Web Accessibility solution can also:

• Maintain industry standards and compliance requirements: Ensure your website continues to provide accessibility to all users with integrated quality assurance and web accessibility features. Our tech helps you stay up-to-date with the latest WCAG and ADA compliance standards.
• Build trustworthy websites that empower your administration: Establish a positive online presence with software that detects errors such as broken links and misspellings. Prioritization features and recommendations for remediation help you keep information transparent and accurate.
• Implement an easy-to-use, integrated solution from one service provider: Support staff with user-friendly technology that enables frictionless and personalized digital experiences. Seamless integration with CivicPlus Municipal Websites and 24/7 technical support from CivicPlus’ award-winning team means your agency’s needs are always met.

Related Read: 8 Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices for Digital Accessibility

Move Communities Forward with Digital Equity and Accessibility

Websites play a critical role in how local governments share information and provide service to residents. Serving as the primary interface between residents and their local government, accessible websites is an important step in closing the digital equity gap.

As compliance requirements and community expectations continue to evolve, updating your agency’s website for accessibility is more important than ever. Technology makes it easy to stay on top of these changes and create accessible online experiences that will benefit your entire community.