Miami County explores AudioEye for website ADA compliance management

During the Miami County Board of County Commission Study Session on April 9, 2025, a significant discussion centered around the county's website accessibility compliance, particularly in relation to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Mackenzie Owens from the administration presented an overview of the current state of the county's website, which was redesigned in November 2023. However, it was revealed that the site is currently only 66% compliant with ADA guidelines, raising concerns about accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Owens explained that the county's contract with Civic Plus, the company responsible for the website redesign, stipulates that once the site is published, ongoing compliance with ADA guidelines falls under the county's responsibility. To address this issue, Civic Plus has introduced a new tool called AudioEye, which offers continuous monitoring and automated adjustments to enhance ADA compliance. This tool not only identifies and rectifies accessibility issues but also provides a visual toolkit for users to customize their experience on the website.

The discussion highlighted the legal obligation for local governments to ensure their websites are ADA compliant, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for public information. The board members expressed concerns regarding the additional costs associated with AudioEye, which would add approximately $4,500 annually to the county's existing contract with Civic Plus, bringing the total estimated yearly expenditure to around $17,392.52.

While the board acknowledged the necessity of maintaining compliance, some members questioned the fairness of incurring extra costs for a service that should have been included in the original contract. The conversation also touched on the potential for exploring other options or vendors that might offer competitive pricing for similar services.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving website accessibility while navigating the financial implications of compliance. The board plans to further evaluate the AudioEye proposal and its impact on the county's budget in the coming months, ensuring that all residents have equitable access to vital information.