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Clallam County IT reports progress toward WCAG 2.1 accessibility; will expand editor training
Summary
County IT told DDAC the county website, relaunched in 2022, largely meets WCAG 2.0 AA and is being updated toward 2.1 AA. IT outlined scanning tools, vendor responsibilities, editor training, alt-text and link-text practices and said it will increase training and monitoring as standards change.
Clallam County Information Technology staff reported to the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee that the county website is meeting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA and is progressing to meet WCAG 2.1 AA requirements.
Dean Anderson, an IT representative, said the county's site was launched in 2022 and that the vendor that built and hosts the site works with the county to maintain accessibility features. He outlined the usual accessibility requirements and practices: correct use of headings, descriptive link text (avoid "click here"), alt text for images that convey information, keyboard navigation, and adequate color contrast. Anderson said the county runs automated scans, maintains training for staff who edit department pages and provides support when edits create accessibility regressions (00:26:56).
Anderson also described work to review readability and plain-language use on county pages and said the county will increase editor training and provide periodic reports identifying pages that need improvements. He welcomed feedback from community organizations and outside agencies if users experience difficulties navigating particular pages (00:26:56).
Why it matters: County web content is a primary channel for information about benefits, applications and services. Improving accessibility helps people who use screen readers or other assistive technologies to find resources, apply for services and connect with case managers.
Questions and next steps: DDAC members suggested county-run trainings for outside organizations that regularly assist people with disabilities. Anderson said county staff already provide training for internal editors and is open to exploring broader outreach; he asked organizations to report specific accessibility problems so IT can correct them (00:33:40).
