Columbus is telling employees who publish material for residents online that accessibility has to be part of the work from the outset, describing it in an Oct. 27 message from Mayor Ginther as both a legal duty and a basic expectation of public service.
The bulletin says the requirement reaches anyone whose work ends up in front of the public on a city website, application or other digital platform. Examples given include internal documents later made public, such as reports, policies and procedures; promotional pieces such as flyers, brochures, newsletters and graphics; and any other material distributed digitally. Waiting until after publication is discouraged, with the message arguing that early attention widens access for residents, cuts remediation costs and helps departments hit citywide goals.
Support comes from the Department of Technology, which the message lists as offering a SharePoint-based ADA Resource Center, Section508.gov guidance, technical help through TechDesk, weekly accessibility office hours on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon, and an email address, adahelp@columbus.gov, for questions about legal requirements. Departments are urged to start using those tools immediately.
The Digital Accessibility Leadership Group will run a virtual citywide session for employees who produce public-facing content on Monday, Nov. 2, from 2 to 3 p.m. Staff who create material meant for publication are encouraged to sign up through the registration link in the bulletin, and a recording is planned for anyone unable to join.