To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Phil Savino, Director, Information Technology
Prepared By:
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Phil Savino, Director, Information Technology
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presenter
Presenter: Phil Savino, Director of Information Technology and Nikki Rosecrans, Manager of Information Security and Compliance
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Subject:
title
Arapahoe County’s Digital Accessibility Plan
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The Arapahoe County Information Technology Department (IT) requests the Board of County Commissioners formally approve and authorize the posting of the County’s Digital Accessibility Plan on our Accessibility Page to demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and transparency. The Board heard this item on December 2, 2024, and approved adding it to the consent agenda.
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Background and Discussion: The Digital Accessibility Plan is a strategic initiative designed to ensure that all County programs, services, and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This plan aligns with key regulatory requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II, Colorado HB 21-1110, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These regulations mandate the County to make its digital applications, electronic documents, and services accessible to all, while providing alternative access methods for those who cannot fully utilize digital solutions. Recognizing the critical importance of inclusivity and equitable access, this plan not only addresses legal compliance but also underscores the County’s commitment to serving all residents effectively.
The Digital Accessibility Plan takes a phased and collaborative approach to implementation, ensuring sustainability and long-term success. It focuses on four main areas: training staff to create accessible content, remediating high-impact and high-risk documents, improving accessibility in existing applications, and procuring future technology that aligns with WCAG standards. The plan also prioritizes identifying alternative methods of access for services that may present barriers to individuals with disabilities. Each County department plays an integral role, working with designated points of contact (POCs) and the Office of Information Security and Compliance (ISC) to fulfill these objectives. This collaborative effort aims to foster a culture of accessibility across all County operations while mitigating legal risks and enhancing public trust.
The success of the Digital Accessibility Plan hinges on active participation and leadership support. Department Directors are responsible for appointing POCs to work closely with ISC and ensure departmental compliance with accessibility goals. Training resources and tools will be rolled out to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to create accessible documents and services. Additionally, a detailed timeline ensures realistic soft deadlines, emphasizing a focus on longevity and adaptability. By fostering a cooperative environment, prioritizing high-risk areas, and maintaining transparent communication, the County can achieve a fully accessible and inclusive digital landscape that meets the diverse needs of its residents and employees.
Fiscal Impact: Anticipated budget in 2025 to fund document remediation of all types including PDF/PDF Forms, MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT); GIS/Maps, Audio/Video (Transcription, Captioning) and Accessible Content Creation (Templates).
Alternatives: No alternative. This is a legislative mandate.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☐Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: NA
Concurrence: E-Team.