A new start to the year: ADA Compliance

by

Last November, we briefly discussed the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule, which takes effect on April 24, 2026, for state/local governments with populations of 50,000 or more, and on April 26, 2026, for populations of less than 50,000. For a better understanding of what Digital Accessibility is, check out these definitions.

To ensure compliance with this rule, CivicPlus, a digital software platform for local and state government agencies, has instituted its Acquia Web Governance application. This application actively targets website accessibility issues, providing recommendations and insights to enhance accessibility, quality, and performance. If your government institution uses CivicPlus, contact your IT department to determine if they have implemented the Aquia Web Governance application.

CivicPlus’s web accessibility also offers training and resources. It is essential to remember that the digital content on your website should be continually monitored and updated. After determining what needs to be updated on your website (e.g., PDF documents), demonstrating compliance can be achieved by posting an accessibility statement on your website.  

Celebrate the Season with a Fresh Start: Clean Up Your Records with OhioERC Trainings!

by

As we wrap up the year and prepare for a fresh start, why not give yourself the gift of organization? The Ohio Electronic Records Committee (OhioERC) invites you to ring in the New Year with a cleaner, more efficient records management system—starting with our free online trainings!

Here’s what’s under the tree for you:

Whether you’re making resolutions or just cleaning up before the ball drops, these trainings are a perfect way to prepare your records for the year ahead. Let’s make 2026 your most organized year yet!

Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule

by

Today many government entities offer a variety of services online through websites and mobile apps.  This can include ordering a dog license, watching a council meeting, or requesting a trash pickup.  While these online services are a convenience for both the government and its citizens, it is important that all citizens are able to use them.  

For example, if your website has images, is there “alt text” that can share the meaning of the image to people who are blind and use screen readers? 

How is the color contrast and text size on your website or app?

If you have video and audio recordings, do they have captions and/or transcripts?

To ensure that people with disabilities can access the services provided by state and local government websites and mobile apps, in April 2024 the U.S. Department of Justice published the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule.  This rule specifies the technical requirements that state and local governments must follow for their websites and apps.  It also establishes timelines for complying with the requirements:

  • State or local governments with a population of 50,000 or more persons: Compliance deadline: April 24, 2026
  • State or local governments with a population of 0 to 49,999 persons: Compliance deadline: April 26, 2027

More information is available on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) website https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-rule-first-steps/.  Also, watch the Ohio Electronic Records Committee’s blog for additional posts about the rule.