ADA Accessibility for Municipal Websites
Government websites must be accessible to all residents, including those with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that public entities provide equal access to information and services. We ensure your municipal, township, or chamber website meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards—protecting your organization from legal risk while genuinely serving all members of your community.
Problems We Solve
- Current website has accessibility issues identified by automated scans
- Received a complaint or demand letter about website accessibility
- Staff adding content don't know how to maintain accessibility
- PDF documents aren't accessible to screen readers
- Images lack proper alternative text descriptions
- Navigation is difficult or impossible with keyboard alone
- Color contrast doesn't meet accessibility requirements
- Video content lacks captions or transcripts
- Forms aren't properly labeled for assistive technology
- Unclear about what WCAG 2.1 AA actually requires
What You Get
Comprehensive Accessibility Audit
Thorough review combining automated scanning with manual testing by accessibility experts.
Detailed Remediation Plan
Prioritized list of issues with clear explanations and recommended fixes.
Accessibility Remediation
We fix identified issues including code, content, and document accessibility.
WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance
Your website will meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA standards.
Document Accessibility
PDF remediation ensuring documents are accessible to screen readers.
Staff Training
Training your team to create accessible content and maintain compliance.
Accessibility Statement
Published statement of your commitment to accessibility with feedback mechanism.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular accessibility scans to catch issues before they accumulate.
Keyboard Navigation
Full keyboard accessibility for users who can't use a mouse.
Screen Reader Compatibility
Testing with actual screen readers to ensure real-world usability.
Color Contrast Compliance
Text and interface elements meet minimum contrast requirements.
Accessible Forms
Properly labeled forms that work with assistive technology.
Our 5-Step Process
Accessibility Audit
We conduct a thorough accessibility audit combining automated tools with manual testing. We use screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, and other assistive technologies to identify real barriers. You receive a detailed report with prioritized issues.
Remediation Planning
We develop a prioritized remediation plan addressing critical issues first. We explain each issue in plain language and recommend the most effective approach to fixing it within your timeline and budget.
Technical Remediation
We fix accessibility issues in your website's code, structure, and design. This includes heading hierarchy, ARIA labels, focus management, color contrast, and all technical requirements for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.
Content & Document Remediation
We address content-level issues including image alt text, link text, and document accessibility. PDFs are either remediated for accessibility or converted to accessible HTML alternatives.
Verification & Training
We verify compliance through comprehensive testing, then train your staff to maintain accessibility. Ongoing monitoring ensures your website stays compliant as content is added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ADA apply to our website?
Yes. Title II of the ADA applies to state and local government entities, including municipalities, townships, and other civic organizations. Courts have consistently ruled that government websites must be accessible to people with disabilities.
What is WCAG 2.1 AA?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the international standard for web accessibility. Level AA is the standard required for government websites, covering a comprehensive set of criteria including text alternatives, keyboard accessibility, color contrast, and more.
What happens if we receive a complaint?
If you've received an accessibility complaint or demand letter, contact us immediately. We can help you assess the situation, develop a remediation plan, and work toward compliance. Early action often leads to better outcomes.
Can you audit our current website?
Yes. Our accessibility audits combine automated scanning with manual expert review. We provide detailed reports identifying specific issues, their severity, and recommended solutions. Audits can be done independently of remediation.
What about PDF documents?
PDFs present significant accessibility challenges. We can remediate existing PDFs, create accessible alternatives, or help you implement processes for creating accessible documents going forward.
How do we maintain accessibility after remediation?
We provide staff training on creating accessible content and offer ongoing monitoring to catch new issues. Accessibility maintenance can be included in website maintenance plans for continuous compliance.
Is automated testing enough?
No. Automated tools catch only about 30-40% of accessibility issues. Manual testing with actual assistive technology is essential for true accessibility. Our audits combine both approaches.
How long does accessibility remediation take?
Timeline depends on your website's size and the severity of issues. A typical municipal website can be remediated in 4-8 weeks. We can also provide phased approaches addressing critical issues first.
What's an accessibility statement?
An accessibility statement is a public commitment to accessibility published on your website. It describes your accessibility efforts, provides contact information for feedback, and explains how users can request accommodations.
Do you provide training for our content editors?
Yes. Staff training is crucial for maintaining accessibility. We train your team on creating accessible content including proper heading structure, alt text, link text, and accessible document creation.
What about video content?
Videos require captions for deaf and hard-of-hearing users and audio descriptions for blind users. We can help you develop processes for accessible video or work with captioning services.
How does accessibility relate to mobile-friendliness?
Many accessibility requirements (like proper heading structure and touch targets) also improve mobile usability. An accessible website generally provides a better experience for all users across all devices.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a free 15-minute call to discuss your project.