Digital Accessibility in Government

Digital accessibility refers to the design and development of digital content that enables individuals using assistive technologies, such as screen readers or voice control, to perceive, understand, and interact with public services independently and effectively.

This is not simply a matter of compliance. It is a matter of civil rights, social equity, and a more inclusive government. A lack of access excludes people with disabilities from participating in civic processes, from obtaining public benefits, from applying for jobs, and from exercising fundamental rights such as voting and due process. Just as public buildings must be physically accessible to wheelchairs, digital spaces must be accessible to everyone (governor.wa.gov).

Federal Requirements: WCAG 2.1 AA as the Technical Standard

The US Department of Justice has clarified that Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to digital government content. It now requires that state and local government websites and mobile apps conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA, an internationally recognized set of testable success criteria (Federal Register). These standards focus on critical features, including keyboard navigation, readable text contrast, screen reader compatibility, and consistent structure. Agencies serving 50,000 or more residents must comply within two years of the final rule's publication, while smaller agencies have three years.

Washington State’s Commitment: Executive Order 24‑05

In Washington State, Governor Jay Inslee issued Executive Order 24‑05 in early 2025. Its purpose is to remove workplace barriers, promote inclusion, and achieve a target of having at least 5 percent of state employees identify as having a disability by 2026 (LinkedIn). The order calls for several concrete actions:

• Inclusive Hiring: Agencies must demonstrate active outreach to qualified job seekers with disabilities and include them in skill‑based hiring practices.
• Accessible Workplaces: From recruitment systems to office environments and digital training, every part of the employee journey must be accessible.
• Reasonable Accommodations: The order directs agencies to offer accommodations and improve internal tracking and reporting proactively.
• Progress Tracking: Agencies are required to set targets and report on performance metrics related to disability inclusion.
• Policy Alignment: State technology policy is mandated to embrace universal design principles and digital accessibility standards (Missouri Secretary of State, WaTech, LinkedIn, governor.wa.gov).

EO 24‑05 works in tandem with Executive Order 24‑04, which focuses on skills‑based hiring across the board to reduce bias (wasilc.org).

In addition, Washington Technology Solutions enforces Digital Accessibility Policy USER‑01, requiring all state digital tools to meet WCAG 2.1 AA. Agencies must develop accessibility plans, conduct annual training, appoint coordinators, and comply by July 1, 2029 (WaTech). The Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) is responsible for updating policy 188 to strengthen accessibility requirements for online systems, apps, training, and documents (governor.wa.gov).

Why Executive Action Makes a Difference

Voluntary compliance has often failed to yield consistent and accessible experiences. The federal call for enforceable standards reflects growing recognition that technical accessibility must be mandatory and measurable (Federal Register). Washington’s Executive Order 24‑05 builds on this by embedding digital accessibility within hiring, workplace equity, procurement, and policy alignment. When widely adopted, it can:

• Create a diverse and representative public workforce
• Eliminate daily experience barriers to services
• Prevent costly retrofitting of websites and apps
• Help avoid litigation, fines, and dissatisfied users

Challenges and Best Practices

Embedding accessibility government‑wide is complex. Common obstacles include:

• Scattered responsibility: Digital platforms reside in different agencies.
• Technical limitations: Blind spots in WCAG knowledge or testing tools.
• Resource constraints: Especially in smaller jurisdictions.
• Procurement inertia: Contracts may not require accessible returns.

To succeed, the government needs clear accountability, effective training, rigorous testing, inclusive procurement practices, and ongoing review. EO 24‑05’s requirement for internal coordinators and progress tracking addresses these challenges head‑on (governor.wa.gov, Federal Register).

Recommendations: Hiring a WCAG‑Specialized Firm

While in-house staff and IT teams can accomplish a great deal, the complexity and high stakes still require specialized expertise. The government would benefit from hiring firms that specialize in web accessibility and WCAG. Such firms can:

• Conduct comprehensive audits for existing sites and apps
• Implement manual testing and assistive‑tech assessments
• Provide staff training on accessible design, content, and testing
• Help procure accessible third‑party tools and services
• Develop ongoing monitoring programs to ensure compliance

Choose a consultancy with experience in public‑sector compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 504/508 standards. Look for providers who use both automated and manual audit techniques. Ensure the contract includes periodic reassessment, remediation support, and integration guidance.

Call to Action and Looking Ahead

EO 24‑05 puts Washington State on a path to inclusive digital and public service design. To move from good intent to genuine equity, decision‑makers should act now:

• Audit all digital assets and training by agency-wide accessibility teams
• Budget for remediation and specialized consulting
• Procure accessible platforms, tools, and courses
• Track progress with clear metrics and report publicly
• Engage people with disabilities continually in testing and design

By prioritizing WCAG-aligned digital services and hiring experts, the state can lead a civic revolution that fully integrates accessibility into government.

In summary

Digital accessibility ensures that online public services are accessible to every Washingtonian, regardless of their ability. Executive Order 24‑05 makes it clear that equity must begin with inclusion. The state now has mandates, targets, and policies in place. With trained coordinators, a budget for remediation, and partnerships with WCAG‑specialized professionals, Washington Agency leaders can ensure all government systems work for everyone.