In a memo distributed on Monday, the California Department of Technology reinforced that state government websites must adhere to state and federal statutes concerning Web accessibility standards.
The Nov. 30 technology letter says that California agencies and state agencies must design and develop websites and Web-based applications "that are equally accessible to people with disabilities." View the letter here.
Also, by July 1, 2016, all public-facing websites maintained by state agencies and entities must include a hyperlink to a Web page that lists browser usability features and other informational links.
"Agencies/state entities and contractors working on their behalf are responsible for ensuring that their Agency/state entity public websites are accessible to the general public, and that their internal information technology systems are accessible by state employees with disabilities," the technology letter says.
The accessibility requirements are not new, with the federal rules under Section 508 and the state Web accessibility standards under SIMM Section 25. Accessible IT also is a state law.
In June, the state auditor released a report that examined the Web accessibility offered websites maintained by four state entities. Among the findings were instances of accessibility violations "so severe that, under certain circumstances, they may prevent persons with disabilities from accessing online services."
