Member Services
Accessibility 2.0
Digital accessibility ensures that websites, applications, documents, and online services are usable by individuals with disabilities. This includes people who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice navigation, or keyboard-only interaction.
For public entities in California, accessibility is not optional. It is a legal requirement under federal and state law, and it is increasingly being enforced in the context of digital services.
This resource library is designed to:
- Provide a clear understanding of applicable laws and regulations
- Point to authoritative technical standards
- Offer free training resources
- Provide practical tools and templates to support implementation
Disclaimer: This library is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Members should consult legal counsel to evaluate how requirements apply to their specific organization. This page contains links to external websites for informational purposes only. We do not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, suitability, or accessibility compliance of these external resources. Users access and rely on such third-party content at their own risk.
This section outlines the primary laws and regulations that may apply to California public entities. Applicability depends on factors such as entity type, funding sources, and whether services are provided to the public.
A. Federal Requirements
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Title II
Applies to state and local governments and requires equal access to programs, services, and activities, including those delivered digitally.
Learn more about ADA Title II requirements
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Final Rule (2024) – Digital Accessibility
The U.S. Department of Justice adopted WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the required technical standard for web content and mobile applications.
- Applies to websites, web applications, and mobile apps
- Establishes compliance timelines based on entity size
- April 24, 2026: Public entities serving 50,000 or more people
- April 26, 2027: Public entities serving fewer than 50,000 and all special district entities
Read the 2024 DOJ digital accessibility final rule
Read the DOJ's Small Entity Compliance Guide
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Applies to entities receiving federal financial assistance and requires nondiscrimination on the basis of disability.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
Applies directly to federal agencies but is widely used as a benchmark and is referenced in California law for electronic and information technology.
Learn more about Section 508 and information and communication technology accessibility standards
B. California Requirements
California Government Code section 11135
Prohibits discrimination, including disability discrimination, in programs or activities that are conducted, operated, funded, or receive state financial assistance.
California Government Code section 7405
Requires state entities to ensure that electronic and information technology is accessible and aligns with Section 508 standards. Importantly, it also requires certain contractual commitments addressing accessibility.
Taken together, § 11135 and § 7405 ensure that California public entities cannot fall back on gaps in federal coverage. Where federal funding may be limited, stated funding triggers § 11135. Where procurement and technology contracting are involved, § 7405 establishes an affirmative state-law basis for the same accessibility requirements already present under federal law.
C. California Civil Rights Exposure
Unruh Civil Rights Act (California Civil Code section 51)
Provides an additional layer of liability in California by prohibiting disability discrimination and allowing private lawsuits.
- Can be asserted alongside ADA claims
- Provides for statutory damages in qualifying cases
Key takeaway: Public entities in California operate within a layered legal framework. Even where one law may not apply directly, others may still create obligations or legal exposure.
This section provides templates and tools that can support implementation and ongoing program management.
The ADA National Network has created an ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments, including, 7 Steps to Implement the ADA
A. Public-Facing Resources
W3C Accessibility Statement Generator
Create a standardized accessibility statement for your organization.
B. Evaluation and Reporting
W3C Accessibility Evaluation Report Template
Provides a standard structure for documenting audit results.
View the W3C accessibility evaluation report template
WCAG-EM Report Tool
Interactive tool for generating accessibility evaluation reports.
C. Procurement and Vendor Evaluation
VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)
Industry-standard format for vendor accessibility conformance reporting.
Section508.gov – Buy Accessible ICT
Guidance for incorporating accessibility into procurement processes.
Access Section508.gov procurement guidance
Access Accessibility Requirements Tool (ART) to generate procurement language
Develop a Procurement Plan
Developing a procurement plan establishes a structured approach to acquisition across the full contract lifecycle - helping the entity define requirements, evaluate vendors, manage performance, and ensure a more efficient and successful procurement process from initial solicitation through ongoing contract management.
E. Recommended Internal Templates
Members may benefit from maintaining internal templates and working documents such as:
- Accessibility policy
- Accessibility statement
- Vendor accessibility questionnaire
- VPAT or accessibility conformance report review checklist
- Accessibility audit intake form
- Remediation roadmap
- Issue tracking log
- Exception or risk acceptance documentation
- Certification checklist, where applicable
F. Tools
UsableNet Accessibility Testing Platform
ANDI Accessible Name & Description Inspector
Colour Contract Analyzer (TPGi)
Editoria11y Accessibility Checker
Key takeaway: Templates and tools are what turn accessibility from a requirement into an operational process.
Rather than defining accessibility requirements independently, laws and regulations rely on established technical standards. The authoritative source for these standards is the W3C.
Core Standard - Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
WCAG defines how to make digital content more accessible to people with disabilities.
Read the WCAG 2.2 recommendation
These guidelines are not static - they evolve over time to reflect changes in technology, user needs, and best practices. As a result, WCAG published in versions, with each new version building on the previous one by adding or refining success criteria. This means organizations should pay attention not just to "WCAG compliant", but to which version and level they are aligning with, as expectations continue to advance.
Important context:
- The DOJ rule references WCAG 2.1 Level AA
- W3C recommends using the most current version where feasible
- WCAG is organized around four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust
Supporting Guidance
Review Understanding WCAG and related guidance
Learn how to evaluate web accessibility
These resources are especially useful for developers, designers, content creators, and quality assurance or testing teams.
Key takeaway: WCAG is the technical standard that organizations build and test against. Policies, audits, and remediation efforts all point back to it.
These resources provide foundational knowledge and practical skills at no cost.
Recommended Starting Points
W3C Digital Accessibility Foundations Course
A strong general introduction for both technical and non-technical staff.
Access the W3C Digital Accessibility Foundations Course
Section508.gov Training
Covers accessibility across roles including procurement, design, development, and content creation.
Access Section508.gov accessibility training
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Section 508 Training Program
Practical training for creating and testing accessible digital content.
Key takeaway: Start with broad awareness training across staff, then move into role-specific training for developers, content authors, procurement teams, and others with implementation responsibilities.
Most organizations are at different stages of accessibility maturity. A substantial body of guidance, tools, and training already exists - so when you identify gaps or opportunities to improve compliance, leverage established resources and frameworks rather than starting from scratch.
- ADA National Network (800) 949-4232
- Department of Justice’s ADA Information Line (800) 514-0301
- Colorado Governor's Office of IT - Digital Accessibility Law for Colorado State and Local Government - view their site and available resources
- Colorado has taken a more prescriptive and proactive approach to digital accessibility than many states, establishing clear requirements and expectations for public entities. Even for organizations outside Colorado, their materials can serve as a useful benchmark and starting point for building or refining an accessibility program.
PRISM has partnered with UsableNet for addressing website accessibility via their managed service offering (UsableNet Assistive) and is leverages their testing software - AQA. In addition to these offerings, they can provide accessibility audits, manual expert testing, testing with assistive-technology users, training for design and development teams, and strategy and consulting.
Key characteristics:
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Developer-led (not automation alone)
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AI-assisted testing and prioritization
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Ongoing maintenance and regression prevention
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Minimal lift required from internal teams
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Initial improvements typically delivered with ~60 days
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Deployment does not require backend or server access
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Includes legal support and indemnity protections
WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind) has provided comprehensive web accessibility solutions since 1999. These years of experience have made WebAIM one of the leading providers of web accessibility expertise internationally. WebAIM is a non-profit service center at Utah State University. Their services include training, evaluation, and technical assistance and consulting. PRISM has engaged with WebAIM for both training and evaluation services. Additionally, they've developed and support WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) which is a suite of evaluation tools that help web authors evaluate accessibility of their web content.