“Accessibility allows us to tap into everyone’s potential.” ― Debra Ruh, Disability Rights Activist
Impact
Information accessibility is equally as important as information security. Just as the State of Colorado meets federal law to protect privacy, information used by the state must meet accessibility standards requirements.
Accessibility is a team sport. There isn’t a single office, agency, or division within the state who will make digital services accessible. Every person who contributes content to a website or application and every state employee who creates and shares emails, documents, or presentations is responsible for making it accessible to everyone.
Responsibilities
Executive leaders are responsible for communicating an explicit and measurable vision for accessibility.
Managers inspire action by communicating the roles and responsibilities that employees have in achieving the vision by creating clear goals for employees and through providing accessibility training and tools.
Agency IT Roadmap
Include accessibility initiatives in your agency's IT roadmap. Plan on working with OIT to leverage the tools and support needed to help your agency measure and comply with accessibility guidelines.
Performance Plan
Create accessibility goals and expectations for employees that support professional growth. Communicate that accessibility is a priority by setting individual goals and tracking progress through performance evaluations.
Learning and Growth
Increase accessibility skills across your teams by encouraging that employees take training, like the Siteimprove Academy courses (requires a login), available at no charge.
Purchasing Technology
Ensure that all newly procured technology is accessible and compatible with assistive technology.
Resources for State of Colorado Agencies
Siteimprove: Siteimprove’s software helps to improve State website usability and accessibility by automating the process of finding errors and problems. Siteimprove alone will not make websites accessible but is part of a holistic approach to managing web services.
For questions about using Siteimprove, please contact the Technology Accessibility Program at OIT_Accessibility@state.co.us.
Don't have access to Siteimprove? Use these free browser extensions:
Accessibility Standards
State of Colorado Accessibility Statement
§24-85-103, C.R.S. - "Accessibility standards for individuals with a disability", (PDF)
TS-OEA-001: Technology Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities, (PDF)
TS-OEA-002: Technology Accessibility for Web Content and Applications, (PDF)
Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section508.gov