TO: Appointing Authorities
FROM: Sarah Clark, Secretary of Administration
DATE: March 20, 2025
On April 24, 2024, the Department of Justice updated its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Through this new rule, they have set a specific set of criteria our State web platforms, web content, social media and mobile applications must meet to be considered accessible.
To help agencies and departments meet these new requirements, we have established a Digital Accessibility Steering Committee (“the Steering Committee”). It will provide regular updates with specific actions your teams should take. It will also provide guidance and tools to help. Detailed actions for the first phase of this effort are below.
This effort is not just about meeting a federal rule. It will also help us better ensure equal access to government services for all Vermonters. Importantly, clear, concise and consistent communication, and a user-friendly digital experience, benefit all Vermonters. The Governor and I appreciate your attention to this work, regardless of any changes that could come from the federal level.
Phase 1 Action Items:
Task 1: Establish an Internal Digital Accessibility Team
Each agency or department must establish a Digital Accessibility Team to carry out the Statewide Digital Accessibility effort. The team should include:
- One Project Point to implement the Steering Committee's recommendations and tools for Rule compliance. The Project Point will report on task status and challenges to the steering committee. It is recommended that the Project Point be a communications director or web editor.
- At least one additional Digital Accessibility Support Staff to help the Project Point execute on compliance tasks. They must be trained in accessibility criteria to support review and remediation efforts. Training will be made available. It is recommended this team includes 2-3 staff members.
Assigned to: Appointing Authorities
Assignment: Complete the SOV Internal Digital Accessibility Team form to report the names of your Internal Digital Accessibility Team members.
Please complete it by: Monday, March 24, 2025.
Task 2: Website and Mobile Application Inventory
Each entity must determine the websites and mobile applications available to external audiences. The Digital Accessibility Steering Committee has established an Inventory of Digital Platforms survey to capture this inventory.
Assigned to: Digital Accessibility Project Point
Assignment: Distribute the Inventory of Digital Platforms survey to all entity staff members for completion.
Please complete it by: Friday, March 28, 2025.
What to Expect Next:
- Automated website audit: The Agency of Digital Services is planning to conduct an automated audit of all Vermont.gov template websites. The Steering Committee will provide additional guidance and actions based on the results.
- Guidance for non-template web platforms: The Steering Committee will provide auditing guidance for agencies and departments with web platforms not using the Vermont.gov template.
- Digital accessibility training: The Steering Committee will provide a digital accessibility training curriculum.
- Ongoing guidance and tools: For compliance, the Steering Committee will provide regular updates with specific recommendations, actions and guidance.
Thank you, again, for taking part in this work. It will ensure better service and clearer, easier-to-find information for all Vermonters.
To receive this information in an alternative format or for other accessibility requests, please contact:
Agency of Administration
ADM.Secretary@vermont.gov, 802-828-3322