Accessibility means everyone can participate in the public process and access important public spaces, regardless of language or ability.
The State of Colorado has a statutory obligation to ensure equivalent and equitable access to its programs, services, and activities, including websites and other virtual platforms such as meetings.
Digital Accessibility
Colorado Laws For Persons With Disabilities (HB21-1110) makes it a state civil rights violation for a government agency to exclude people with disabilities from receiving services or benefits because of lack of accessibility.
Any Colorado government entity that doesn’t meet OIT’s web accessibility standards could be subject to injunctive relief, meaning a court order to fix the problem, actual monetary damages, or a fine of $3,500 payable to the plaintiff (who must be someone from the disability community).
Meeting Accessibility
Public meetings are a crucial forum for people to share their ideas and opinions on important issues. Accessible public meetings mean everyone can participate in the public process, regardless of language or ability. For tips and best practices on meeting accessibility, review Accessibility and Language Access in Public Meetings.
Language Accessibility
Language access is a critical component of effective communication. It provides the ability for individuals to access information in their preferred language. This is particularly important for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
Proper language access can help people:
- Access essential services (ex: healthcare, education, legal assistance, and voting)
- Participate in their communities (ex: attending meetings, employment-related events, and more)
- With emergency communications (ex: calling 911, reporting a crime, and communicating with safety personnel during emergencies)
Tips for providing effective communication and language access:
- Interpretation services
Interpreting services require a qualified interpreter to interpret one language into another. This can be done in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing or other communication technology.
- Translation services
Translation services involve a qualified translator who translates written material from one language to another.
- Bilingual staff
Staff identified as bilingual may provide emergency translation or interpreting services. It is important not to rely on bilingual staff for translation without compensating them for their time. For example, if a person’s job description does not include translation, they should not be required to translate as part of their current job.
- Technology
Technology solutions for interpreting and translation services may include things like Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), Video Relay Service (VRS), UbiDuo, Teletypewriter (TTY), etc.
Questions
Have any questions about accessibility and your State agency/institution's legal obligations? Contact the Statewide Equity Office.