A woman working on a laptop, with green text overlay emphasizing the importance of accessibility in government websites, highlighting digital accessibility's significance for inclusivity and usability.

Standard Accessibility in Websites

Your Best Bet for Modernizing Local Government Workflows

January 22, 2025

5min read

The Importance of Accessibility in Local Government Websites

In today’s digital world, local government websites serve as critical bridges between public institutions and the communities they serve. Accessibility is no longer a “nice-to-have” feature—it is an essential responsibility for public-facing organizations. Ensuring websites are accessible to all citizens supports inclusivity and helps address applicable legal and regulatory expectations. BIS understands this better than most and has positioned itself as a trusted partner in creating accessible, user-friendly, and continuously updated local government websites. Here’s how:

Enter BIS Consultants, a technology partner dedicated to helping local government entities modernize their digital services. BIS Consultants specializes in providing cutting-edge technology solutions to local government entities. Our Goal? To streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and bring local government offices into the 21st century. 

ADA Compliance Made Easy

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that requires public entities to provide equal access to services, including digital services, for individuals with disabilities. Non-compliance can result in legal repercussions and alienate a significant portion of your community.

BIS simplifies ADA compliance by:

  • Conducting thorough accessibility audits to identify and resolve potential issues.
  • Implementing features such as screen reader compatibility, text resizing options, and keyboard navigation to ensure equitable access.
  • Staying informed on evolving accessibility standards and helping your website remain aligned with recognized accessibility guidelines.

By partnering with BIS, local governments can feel confident that their website is proactively addressing accessibility requirements while supporting inclusivity and equal access.

User-Friendly Design

An accessible website isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about enhancing the user experience for everyone. BIS specializes in intuitive, mobile-friendly designs that promote engagement and simplify navigation.

Some key design elements include:

  • Responsive Layouts: Ensuring websites adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes, from smartphones to desktops.
  • Clear Navigation: Using straightforward menus and search functions to help users quickly find what they need.
  • Readable Content: Prioritizing clean fonts, high-contrast color schemes, and concise language to make information accessible to all.

 

These user-centric designs empower citizens to interact with their local government more effectively, from paying bills online to accessing important public announcements.

Continuous Monitoring and Updates

Technology evolves rapidly, and so do accessibility standards. A website that is compliant today may not meet tomorrow’s requirements. BIS addresses this challenge through proactive monitoring and regular updates.

Here’s how BIS ensures your website stays current:

  • Regular Updates: Applying software patches, updating content, and refreshing designs to maintain functionality and compliance.
  • Dedicated Support: Providing ongoing technical assistance and training for staff to manage and optimize the website.

With BIS, local governments don’t just launch accessible websites—they maintain them as dynamic, evolving tools that continue to serve their communities effectively.

Why Accessibility Matters

BIS understands that accessibility is more than a technical requirement; it’s a commitment to serving every citizen with dignity and respect. By prioritizing accessibility, local governments can:

  • Strengthen community trust and engagement.
  • Help reduce the risk of accessibility-related concerns and reputational challenges.
  • Ensure that all citizens, regardless of ability, can access vital public services and information.

Why BIS Stands Out

What sets BIS apart is their deep understanding of the unique needs of local governments. Their experience supporting accessibility initiatives and alignment with ADA and WCAG standards, user-friendly design, and continuous monitoring makes them a trusted partner for municipalities looking to outsource their IT, GIS, and website needs. With BIS, local governments can focus on their mission to serve, knowing that their digital presence is in capable hands.

 

Accessibility Disclaimer

Digital accessibility is an ongoing effort, and requirements may vary by organization, jurisdiction, and applicable regulations. While BIS Consultants works to support accessibility best practices and alignment with recognized standards such as WCAG, no website can be guaranteed to be fully or permanently compliant with all accessibility requirements.

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Get in Touch

Ready to elevate your local government website with BIS? Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive IT, GIS, and website services, and how we can help you better serve your community.

 
BIS Consultants