Frequently Asked Questions

  • We help organizations navigate Title II digital accessibility requirements and responsible AI adoption together—so teams understand what’s required, identify quick wins, and build confidence moving forward, without trying to fix everything at once.

    Our most common first-phase services include:

    • Website and document accessibility reviews (web pages, PDFs, and key forms)

    • Quick readiness checklists for Title II / WCAG 2.1 AA compliance and AI adoption guardrails (what’s safe, what to avoid, and what to document)

    • Staff training and practical workshops for accessibility basics and everyday AI use that supports compliance

    • Plain-language guidance and roadmap development: what to prioritize (and what can wait), who owns what, and how to document progress

    We focus on clarity, not overwhelm.

  • Digital accessibility means making sure websites, documents, videos, and online services can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities.

    This includes people who:

    • Use screen readers or keyboard navigation

    • Have low vision or color blindness

    • Are deaf or hard of hearing

    • Have cognitive, motor, or neurological differences

    Accessible digital content helps residents find information, complete forms, pay bills, apply for services, and participate in civic life without barriers.

  • For public entities (and many organizations that serve the public), accessibility is both:

    • A legal requirement, and

    • A public service responsibility

    Accessible digital services help ensure all community members can access information and services equitably. It also reduces risk, prevents last-minute scrambles, and builds public trust.

  • In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice finalized a rule under ADA Title II requiring state and local governments to make their websites and mobile apps accessible.

    The rule requires compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, a widely recognized accessibility standard that covers:

    • Accessible PDFs and documents

    • Color contrast and readable text

    • Keyboard navigation

    • Accessible forms and online portals

    • Captions and alternatives for multimedia

    This is now federal law—not just a best practice.

  • The DOJ’s digital accessibility rule applies to state and local government entities under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

    This includes:

    • Towns and villages

    • Cities and counties

    • Public school districts

    • Public colleges and universities

    • Public libraries

    • Municipal departments and agencies

    • Vendors/contractors providing public-facing digital services on behalf of a public entity

    If an organization is part of a state or local government, the rule applies to its websites, mobile apps, and public-facing digital content.

  • Compliance deadlines are based on population size:

    • April 24, 2026 — for public entities serving 50,000+ people

    • April 26, 2027 — for public entities serving fewer than 50,000 people (and special district governments)

    Many towns, villages, and small municipalities fall into the 2027 category—but starting early allows for realistic, phased improvements instead of rushed fixes.

  • Many organizations feel they don’t have time to explore AI — but the right approach can actually create time.

    Examples of practical benefits:

    • Drafting clearer public communications faster

    • Summarizing long documents or meeting notes

    • Creating first drafts of policies or forms

    • Improving consistency across departments

    • Supporting digital accessibility work

    AI should not add more complexity. When implemented well, it helps reduce friction in day-to-day work.

  • It depends on how it’s used.

    Not all AI tools are appropriate for government workflows, especially when dealing with sensitive or protected information.

    That’s why responsible adoption includes:

    • Understanding what data should and should not be shared

    • Choosing tools with appropriate privacy protections

    • Creating clear internal guidance for staff

    • Starting with low-risk, practical use cases

    The goal is confidence — not experimentation without guardrails.

  • When used thoughtfully and with clear guardrails, AI can support accessibility work by helping teams move faster and more consistently—especially when staff time is limited.

    AI can help by:

    • Drafting clearer, more readable public-facing content (plain language)

    • Suggesting alt text ideas and flagging missing elements (like headings or link labels)

    • Supporting consistency across documents, templates, and web updates

    • Helping staff create first drafts of captions, summaries, and rewrites for accessibility

    AI does not replace accessibility expertise or testing. We help organizations use AI in ways that reinforce accessibility goals (and reduce risk), with a simple, documented process your staff can follow.

  • By the end of a first engagement, your team will have:

    • A plain-language readiness snapshot of where you are today (web + documents + key workflows)

    • A prioritized action list focused on the highest-impact items first

    • Quick wins your staff can implement right away (content, templates, process improvements)

    • A phased roadmap (30/60/90 days) that matches your capacity and budget

    • A documentation kit to support compliance efforts (notes, decisions, and a simple “how we’re addressing this” record)

    • Training and materials your team can reuse (slides, checklists, and practical guidance)