TOWN OF MIDDLEBURG
Loudoun County, Virginia
MEMORANDUM
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As Council is aware, a U.S. Department of Justice rule required that small localities meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act related to communications effective April 27, 2027. While this deadline was recently extended to April 27, 2028, the State Code provisions described below are already in effect.
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In addition, the Virginia Information Technology Access Act (VITAA) requires localities to ensure the accessibility of Information & Communications Technology (ICT), by someone who has a disability to the equivalent of that provided to individuals who do not have a disability; to present information in formats accessible to both persons with and without disabilities; and, to conform with accessibility requirements in 28 C.F.R. Section 35.200, whether developed in-house or procured. ICT is defined as any website, application, or other product or service primarily intended to fulfill or enable the function of information processing and communication by electronic means, including transmission and display via the Inernet.
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To this end, below are the items that need to be addressed immediately:
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Update the Town’s websites (including those developed by the Town’s marketing contractor for special events) to meet WCAG 2.1, Level AA Standards
- Add ALT Text to all current and future photos on the website
- Ensure PDFs, existing and future, are converted to screen reader-friendly HTML transcripts
- Provide closed captioning for meeting videos
- Adopt ADA related policies, including policies related to procured contracts that involve digital communications and ICT
- Develop language for inclusion in procurement RFPs and contracts related to digital communications and ICT, including electronic documents and systems that are shared with or used by the public.