To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
SUBJECT:
title
Revised Information Technology Website Accessibility Policy
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors adopt the attached revised Information Technology Website Accessibility Policy.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
ADA Compliance ISF (3552)
DISCUSSION:
On September 7, 2016, the County of Humboldt entered into a Consent Decree with the Department of Justice (DOJ) agreeing to make its programs, services and activities compliant with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA). Section L.41.a. of the Consent Decree requires the county, on an annual basis, to adopt, implement and post online a policy that its web pages conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA.
On November 8, 2016, your Board adopted the Information Technology Website Accessibility Policy that conforms to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA. On February 27, 2018, your Board approved the annual adoption of this policy with no changes from the original version adopted on November 8, 2016.
The item before your Board today is a revised Information Technology Website Accessibility Policy, which includes:
1. WCAG version 2.1.
2. Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) 2.0, or the most recent VPAT version process and procedures for third party vendors. The VPAT is a questionnaire that assists buyers and sellers in identifying information and communications technology products and services with accessibility features.
3. Accessibility testing that includes enlisting individuals with different disabilities such as blind, deaf, and physical disabilities to test for ease of use and accessibility barriers.
4. Social Media accessibility. Establishes that information posted to social media sites allows members of the public with disabilities to access information that is comparable to information provided to persons without disabilities.
5. Alternative means and exceptions making the Information Technology Website Accessibility Policy more robust. The alternative means must provide an equivalent level of access and ease of use.
6. Exceptions. When information technology conforming to the applicable standards is not commercially available, it may be necessary for the county to acquire and utilize information technology that in its current state hinders full access and/or equivalent ease of use for persons with disabilities. In such instances, the department(s) wishing to utilize the non-conforming information technology shall make a written request to the County ADA Coordinator for the approval of an exception.
In addition, changes were made to the Humboldt County Web Standards and Style Guide that includes Staff Directory, Info Advanced, Boards & Commissions and ADA Compliance.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The recommended actions have no significant financial impact.
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework in ways that provide for fostering transparent, accessible, welcoming and user friendly services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Department of Justice
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Your Board could choose not to approve staff recommendations; however, the county would be deemed non-compliant with the ADA and may be subject to penalties pursuant to the provisions of the consent decree.
ATTACHMENTS:
Revised Information Technology Accessibility Policy Attachment
County of Humboldt Web Standards and Style Guide Attachment
Voluntary Product Accessibility Template® (VPAT®) Version 2.0
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No: C-5, C-8
Meeting of: 11/8/2016, 2/27/18