Accessibility in State Government Digital Services
WaTech is committed to ensuring that all state agency websites and mobile applications are accessible to all Washingtonians, regardless of ability. To achieve this, every state agency must adhere to specific technical standards and continually update both new and existing technology to maintain compliance. This effort is guided by the Washington State Technology Policy USER-01, which outlines the requirements for state agencies to develop plans for accessibility and designate an Accessibility Coordinator.
The state policy mandates that all state agency digital services meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA standard at a minimum. This means all agencies must ensure their technology is accessible from the beginning and continually update it to maintain compliance.
Every year, state agencies are required to report on their technology portfolio and their compliance with statewide technology policies, including USER-01. As part of the Annual Agency Technology Policy Certification, agencies must attest to their compliance with policies approved by the Technology Services Board (TSB). This annual process helps ensure that state technology resources are accessible and usable for all residents of Washington state.
Goals & Objectives
- Fully Accessible Websites and Mobile Applications - Ensure that all Washington state websites and mobile applications are fully accessible to individuals of all abilities, providing equal access to information and services.
- Prepare for DOJ Accessibility Compliance - Position agencies to meet the Department of Justice (DOJ) Accessibility Rule, which will take effect in 2026. This includes providing guidance, resources, and tools to support agencies in achieving and maintaining compliance.
- Provide a Statewide Community of Practice - The statewide Community of Practice for digital accessibility advocates is a collaborative space for sharing knowledge, best practices, and solutions to enhance the accessibility of Washington state’s digital products and services. Through this initiative, the CoP aims to continuously improve the digital experience for all residents and set a high standard for accessibility across state agencies.
How we’re improving accessibility
WaTech is taking significant steps to improve digital accessibility for all Washington state residents by:
- Preparing for DOJ compliance: All agencies must be fully compliant with Title II Accessibility Requirements by April 2026. WaTech is actively working with agencies to help them meet these requirements.
- Regular updates to statewide policies: Regularly review and update Washington state’s technology policy to assist agencies in meeting accessibility requirements. Updates this review cycle include the requirement for each agency to develop a compliance plan and designate an Accessibility Coordinator to oversee efforts to meet accessibility compliance.
- Community of Practice: WaTech created a statewide Community of Practice to provide opportunities for networking, sharing lessons learned, reviewing and providing input to policy updates, and promoting best practices among agency staff. This community fosters collaboration and supports agencies in enhancing their digital accessibility knowledge, ultimately removing barriers for people with disabilities.
- Collaborating on the Resident Portal: Partnering on Resident Portal project activities, WaTech ensures that all accessibility requirements are integrated into its design and functionality, creating a seamless and inclusive digital experience for Washington residents.
- Temporary Waiver process: For agencies facing challenges in meeting technology policy or standards immediately, WaTech has developed a temporary waiver process. This allows agencies to outline their plans to achieve compliance while continuing to improve their accessibility practices.
- Establish a Chief Accessibility Officer position: To reinforce our commitment to accessibility, WaTech will establish a Chief Accessibility Officer position to lead and coordinate statewide digital accessibility efforts and ensure all initiatives are aligned with best practices and compliance standards.
Through these initiatives, WaTech is driving progress in making Washington state’s digital services accessible and inclusive for everyone.
If you wish to report an issue related to the accessibility of any of our WaTech sites or services, please contact communications@watech.wa.gov.