Colorado government websites and web applications are the primary means by which the public receives information from and interacts with state and local government entities. These online services help the public apply for benefits, search for jobs, comply with state rules, and so much more.
The following tools and recommendations are designed to help government entities meet and maintain exceptional usability standards and provide quality information, readily accessible to all.
This guide does not replace the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and its use will not ensure that you are meeting all WCAG requirements.
Tools
Creating accessible website content
Website role recommendations
- Website product owner role: The website product owner role is the minimum recommended role for website management.
- Other website roles for larger teams
Human-centered (aka successful) web services
Definitions to know
- WCAG: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) covers a wide range of recommendations for making web content more accessible. Following these guidelines will make content more accessible to a wider range of people with disabilities and address the accessibility of web content, including websites, applications, documents, etc., on desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. The State of Colorado is required to follow the current release version of the WCAG guidelines at both levels A and AA.
- CMS: A content management system (CMS) is an application that allows users to create, edit, review and publish online content, including HTML pages, documents and images.
- Content: The term, “content” refers to any text, images, links, PDFs and documents, and third-party embeds like Google Calendar or Slides.
- SME: The subject matter expert (SME) provides website content based on knowledge and expertise in a specific subject, business, or technical area.
State Agency Planning Resources
IT Accessibility Planning Guide
The IT Accessibility Planning Guide website is made available only to state agencies for the purpose of providing guidance, tools and updates that are relevant only to state agencies and their unique statutory requirements. The Technology Accessibility Program team (TAP) has made every effort to provide similar, relevant resources available to local government entities (see Local Government Resources).
Contact: oit_accessibility@state.co.us
Local Government Planning Resources
Accessibility Planning for Local Government, 2023 (Google Slides)
This presentation is designed to help local government teams understand their responsibilities and provide basic guidance for planning and operationalizing accessibility. Similar guidance can be found on the Accessibility Planning Core Criteria webpage.
- Colorado Laws for Persons with Disabilities
- Planning tools and guidance
- Links to more information and resources
Contact: oit_accessibility@state.co.us