To improve digital inclusion and equitable access of digital services, Colorado has enacted House Bill 21-1110, which are new digital accessibility laws requiring public entities throughout the country like the Grand County Library District to make their websites and digital services usable for everyone, including people with disability.
In response, the Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology has dedicated itself to support, implement and enforce these new laws, supporting the library in its website redesign using Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools (WAVE) now following WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Over 30 software vendors are also being engaged to ensure their platforms meet accessibility requirements, to improve digital access of the library’s resources across a plethora of different mediums such as eBooks, newspapers and databases. Beyond legal compliance, the district offers additional services such as computers with a built-in screen reader that further remove barriers to those who are blind or with low vision. Accessibility concerns can be reported via form, phone, or email, reinforcing the district’s commitment to inclusive access.
Australia could learn from Colorado’s proactive approach to digital accessibility, implementing similar standards and initiatives in its own libraries to ensure equitable access to digital resources and services for people with disability.
To find out more, please read Sky-Hi’s article on the new accessibility laws in Colorado.