Hi! Here are a few resources you can use to get started with Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Web & Mobile Application Accessibility Rule<https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/>, WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance on your library websites. Libraries serving populations of 50,000 or more need to be compliant by April 24, 2026. Libraries serving populations of 49,999 or fewer start compliance by April 26, 2027. * First Steps from ADA.gov<https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-rule-first-steps/> * Justice Department Webinar<https://youtu.be/hkhIGSvJC2o> (1 Hour) * Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools List<https://www.w3.org/WAI/test-evaluate/tools/list/#top> * Selecting Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools<https://www.w3.org/WAI/test-evaluate/tools/selecting/> * Easy Checks – A First Review of Web Accessibility<https://www.w3.org/WAI/test-evaluate/easy-checks/> The Library of Michigan has a Niche Academy Course that is very helpful! * The Modern eAccessibility Landscape in Public Libraries<https://my.nicheacademy.com/staffskills/course/63945> * If you don’t have a Niche Academy Account, it is free to sign up! Shauna's Suggestions * Know your Options - This is not a fix it and forget it technology issue. Once getting WCAG 2.1 AA compliant, your library will need to consider training for upkeep and maintenance of this standard. * Contracted web developer - Ask if they do this for you (part of a maintenance contract or as a separate fee) * For example: StreamLine, Revize, LocalHop, your local developer, etc. * Purchase a software solution - Some options include expert support to handle everything for you, while others provide reports that show what your library staff need to manually fix. * For example: SiteImprove, Dubbot, Acquia Web Governance, Skilltide, PopeTech powered by WAVE, etc. * Side Note: Accessibility Widgets/Toolbars/Overlays provided by companies such as ReciteMe, UserWay, AccessiBe are not a substitute for compliance. These software companies do provide scanning, auditing, and remediation tools as well as their overlay products though. * In-House Staff - Many free accessibility checkers only scan one webpage/URL at a time. They show staff what needs to be fixed, but the actual corrections must be made manually by library staff. [Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools List<https://www.w3.org/WAI/test-evaluate/tools/list/#top>] * Review your site - Create a website map/plan by listing your main menu headings, subpages, and any pop-ups (both published and unpublished items you know you will be publishing). * A simple bulleted list with notes about each page (like static images you don’t plan to update often, documents, or forms) is helpful, and including the URL for each page makes it easy to copy and paste into free accessibility checkers, which often only scan one page at a time. Here is a view only example of the site plan<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KxALfNpUiEl63L_i_cNFFIjDKS9Qwc5lubj5O4wREl0/edit?usp=sharing> I created for keeping Library of Michigan's Ploud Website michlibrary.org accessible. * Review content - Review each webpage to see if it's current, necessary, and actively used. Use website analytics to identify low-traffic pages such as outdated program pages (e.g., 2016 Summer Reading) or services no longer offered that may be candidates for removal or updating. * Simplify structure - Fewer pages = fewer accessibility checks. Consider consolidating information into one page instead of many. * Note from Clare Membiela: “Libraries should be very cautious about using the process of compliance with web accessibility (such as cost or complexity) as reasons to remove content that may be essential to public transparency, such as board meeting minutes, policies, budgets, or contact information. Before removing any publicly relevant materials, libraries should consult their legal counsel to ensure compliance with accessibility standards as well as other legal obligations such as those involving public records, notice, and due process.” * Mobile view/Apps need to be accessible - Many users access your site from phones/tablets and is required to be accessible too. * Social Media<https://youtu.be/hkhIGSvJC2o?si=9VwZy3r_TkuFxGrV&t=2454> - While social media platforms themselves are not controlled by public entities, content posted by public entities on social media is covered if it is used to provide public services or information. This means starting on your date of compliancy: Posts should include alt text for images, videos should have captions and links to external content (e.g., documents or forms) should lead to accessible resources. A library serving 50,000+ people need to make all social media posts accessible starting April 24, 2026. Libraries serving 49,999 people and lower need to make all social media posts accessible starting April 26, 2027. * Don’t worry if this feels overwhelming, it’s a lot to take in! Some library websites have many pages, while others only have a few. This is a big project but breaking it down page by page will make it manageable. Remember to take advantage of available tools, YouTube tutorials for backend website development help (or ask your web developer if you work with one), and your peers for support! The research and resources in this email are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. The Library of Michigan cannot endorse specific vendors or brands. Libraries should contact vendors and other experts for advice and to ensure that their choice reflects the unique needs of that library. Since these resources are meant to help you get started, I’m also compiling additional materials to cover more components of WCAG 2.1 AA. Stay tuned! Please be sure to reach out if you have questions! Always, Shauna Quick, MLIS Library Technology Access Consultant Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48915 quicks1@michigan.gov<mailto:quicks1@michigan.gov> | 517-335-0126 she/her/hers [cid:591d7895-ee54-4bc8-b65e-b3fbcaef58f5]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/05de81e9d972497b8f56a791b405b02e@michigan.gov?anonymous&ep=signature> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/05de81e9d972497b8f56a791b405b02e@michigan.gov?anonymous&ep=signature> [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan]<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigans-top-10-strategic-education-plan> [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.
