Commissioners adopt web content creator policy to improve ADA compliance and consistency

Collin County Commissioners Court unanimously adopted a web content creator policy presented by Tim Nolan of Collin County IT that aims to standardize web content, improve accessibility, and tighten editorial controls.

Nolan told the court the policy focuses on ADA compliance (Section 508 and WCAG AA) and includes requirements for alt text, readable hierarchy, responsive design and a brand style guide. "If it's accessible to everybody, you know, so it's not just we're...targeting a group of people," Nolan said, describing the policy's accessibility goals. The policy limits each department to a maximum of four editors, requires training before access is granted, and allows emergency updates to bypass the standard workflow when necessary. Enforcement is educational at first, with tiers up to taking privileges away for repeated violations.

Public information staff will review submitted content for style and accuracy before publication; IT will handle tickets for new page creation. The court approved the policy 5-0. Staff said the policy also anticipates AI assistance and future chatbot support to help content creators meet standards.