Introduction: Compliance with HB24-1454
A government entity that is not able to meet the steps to comply with the OIT rules by July 1, 2024 may instead pursue compliance with the requirements of HB24-1454 through July 1, 2025. On July 1, 2025 all government entities must comply with the OIT rules.
A government entity may be immune from liability through July 1, 2025 for failure to comply with the OIT rules if they meet the following three criteria:
- Make good faith efforts toward resolution of a complaint of noncompliance;
- Create a clear, easy-to-find process that is prominently displayed on all front-facing web pages for requesting redress for inaccessible digital products, including contact options that are not dependent on web access; and
- Create and post on front-facing web pages a progress-to-date report that is updated quarterly and demonstrates concrete and specific efforts toward compliance with the OIT rules.
Accessibility standards applied
The Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) has developed accessibility technical standards with the intent of providing enterprise standard configurations for technologies which provide service to those with disabilities, in accordance with the technical standards provided by:
- World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA or higher
- Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Chapters 3,4,6
- and following C.R.S. 24-85-101 to 24-85-104, ARTICLE 85
Our efforts
CSA is committed to providing equitable access to all Coloradans. Our ongoing accessibility effort works towards the day when all services, programs, and activities are accessible, providing equal access to information and services to all Coloradans.
To that end, CSA has a plan to prioritize, evaluate, remediate and continuously improve every digital touchpoint within our services, programs, and activities. Below, you’ll find just some of the measures that CSA is undertaking.
Accessibility Maturity
CSA is at the following accessibility maturity level for 2024.
Check One | Stage | Criteria |
Inactive | No awareness and recognition of need. At this stage organizations are inventorying their technology, have begun to make investments, etc…. | |
X | Launch | Recognized need organization-wide. Planning initiated, but activities not well organized. |
Integrate | Roadmap including timeline is in place, overall organizational approach defined and well organized. | |
Optimize | Incorporated into the whole organization, consistently evaluated, and actions taken on assessment outcomes. |
Organizational measures
We have taken many steps so far, including:
- Administration and Technology Team taking the lead on responsibility for accessibility compliance and training CSA staff in accessibility compliance
- Successfully auditing accessibility compliance from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 to understand and define next steps
- Developing a list of questions for vendors to integrate into our procurement processes
- Prioritization of accessibility compliance on external technology, specifically front-facing websites
- Testing and auditing of website with SiteImprove, AccessiBe, and other online tools
- Ensuring an up-to-date Accessibility Statement with a plan to provide reasonable accommodations with clear contact information
- Incorporate accessibility requirements into our technology development stages including design, development, user experience, and quality assurance.
- Create and post on front-facing web pages a progress-to-date report that is updated quarterly and demonstrates concrete and specific efforts toward compliance with the OIT rules. (This is required to follow the requirements of HB24-1454 through July 1, 2025)
Next steps
Next steps will include:
- Prioritize external technology, software, and hardware for accessibility compliance by continuing to spot check using plugins
- Continue to train staff on accessibility best practices
- Remedy any accessibility errors encountered either internally or using external vendors
- Integrate accessibility compliance questions for any vendors
- Utilize partnerships with state organizations, school districts, and schools to continue to improve compliance
Formal approval
Christa Coryell, CSA Executive Director, authorizes this statement which was last updated in October of 2024. Christa can be reached at csaadmin@coloradoskiesacademy.org.