Law Enforcement Agencies Must Have Accessible Websites Under Title II ADA Rules
Law enforcement officers are important figures in our society, maintaining public order, ensuring justice, and protecting local communities. It is imperative that public law enforcement, police departments, sheriff’s offices, parking enforcement divisions, and other such agencies comply with the new rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which forbids discrimination on the basis of disability in all activities, programs, services offered by public entities, including online services through websites and mobile applications.
Ensuring web accessibility for law enforcement agency websites is not just a legal obligation; it’s a significant step toward creating an inclusive and accessible digital world for all individuals, particularly people with disabilities. By rigorously following these guidelines and unwaveringly committing to ongoing compliance efforts, law enforcement agencies can effectively serve their communities and uphold the principles of equal access and fairness for everyone.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help law enforcement agencies effectively navigate and implement Title II ADA web accessibility standards.
What is Title II of the ADA?
Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all programs, services, and activities provided by public entities, including law enforcement agencies. This includes ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to digital platforms, including websites and mobile apps.
All law enforcement agencies must ensure that their platforms adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a globally recognized framework for making digital assets more accessible to people with disabilities. This means ensuring that digital documents, as well as video and audio files, are accessible to all. Moreover, the entire website should be ADA-compliant, with a particular focus on functionality and design.
You can find more information about WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards in our other blog posts. To learn more about the DOJ’s official rule, click here.
Who is required to have an ADA-compliant website?
- Federal law enforcement agencies (ATF, DEA, FBI, TSA, U.S. Secret Service, etc.)
- Local police departments
- City police departments
- University police departments
- State police
- County sheriff’s offices
- Highway patrol
- Among others.
By embracing web accessibility, law enforcement agencies demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, fostering trust and engagement within the communities they serve.
Having an ADA-compliant website and app individuals with disabilities have equal access to police services, including reporting crimes and receiving emergency assistance.
Consider EcomBack for Professional Web Accessibility Services
EcomBack offers web accessibility services for all public entities. Our expert team performs thorough assessments, fixes any issues, and conducts regular tests to ensure compliance with ADA and WCAG standards. Contact us for assistance in making your website more accessible and inclusive.
