Local Governments Continually Ignore Web Accessibility Guidelines According to the Bureau of Internet Accessibility

PROVIDENCE, RI--(Marketwired - January 17, 2018) - The following is a statement by the Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA) and based on their finding from conducting automated audits of Local Government websites. BoIA found a significant number of Local Government websites to be completely inaccessible, despite national efforts to enforce web site accessibility. In accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), local governments are required to take steps to ensure that disabled citizens of the region have sufficient access to online services such as online ticket and bill paying, email communication, and applying for employment. However, local government services continue to be one of the main industries that neglect website accessibility, despite the frequent use of local government sites by disabled individuals.

Local governments have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that their constituents with disabilities are included in the online services that are offered to the region. Web Developers should consider the different forms of disabilities that can inhibit an individual from properly reading, accessing or hearing online information. The lack of accessibility provisions is a direct violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Local governments who continue to neglect web accessibility guidelines could face legal action from the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

For more information on web accessibility requirements for local governments, visit https://www.boia.org/blog/web-accessibility-and-local-governments-what-you-need-to-know

About the Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA): Mobile and Web accessibility compliance is a requirement, but trying to understand the WCAG 2.0 Guidelines and how they relate to ADA, ACAA, OCR, AODA, Section 508 and other compliance requirements, can be confusing. The Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA) has been helping eliminate the accessibility digital divide since 2001. The organization's reports, tools, and services have assisted businesses in improving, maintaining, and proving the accessibility of their websites. With services that include self-help tools, audits, training, remediation and implementation support, BoIA has the experience and expertise to ensure that accessibility efforts are worthwhile and successful. For more information, visit www.BoIA.org.