Digitally Accessible Website Design

Digital accessibility means designing websites and digital content so everyone can use them—including people with disabilities.

In practical terms, it’s about removing barriers. That means a website should work with screen readers for people who are blind or have low vision, be usable without a mouse for people who rely on keyboards or assistive devices, include captions for videos for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and have clear text, good contrast, and simple navigation for users with cognitive or learning differences.

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance or checklists—it’s about equal access. When digital content is accessible, people can read information, fill out forms, make purchases, and interact online independently, without frustration or exclusion. As a bonus, accessible design usually improves usability for everyone, including mobile users, older adults, and people in low bandwidth or high-glare situations.

In short: digital accessibility means the internet works for all users, not just some of them.

All organizations, both commercial and non-commercial, should have a digitally accessible website because it ensures equal access to information and services for everyone, including people with disabilities, while also strengthening overall usability.

An accessible website reaches a broader audience, improves the experience for mobile users and older adults, and helps organizations meet legal and regulatory expectations. For businesses, this can mean more customers, stronger brand trust, and better search performance; for nonprofits and public organizations, it supports inclusivity, transparency, and public service obligations.

What we offer:

• Accessibility Audits
• Identification of WCAG 2.1 Level AA issues
• Plain English audit report with prioritized fixes
• Quarterly or annual accessibility scans
• Resource for training materials
• Build new websites with accessibility built in

Ultimately, digital accessibility isn’t just about compliance — it’s about fairness, usability, and making sure no one is unintentionally excluded.

At A2Z Computing Services, Inc., we are committed to helping organizations create websites that are welcoming, usable, and accessible to everyone. Digital accessibility is more than a requirement—it’s an opportunity to better serve your audience and strengthen your online presence. Our team works with you every step of the way assisting to ensure your website meets recognized accessibility standards and provides an inclusive experience for all users, including those with disabilities.

We begin with a comprehensive website analysis and accessibility testing to identify any barriers that may affect usability. Based on our findings and your website platform, we either resolve the issues directly or provide a detailed report to guide your webmaster through the necessary improvements. To help you stay compliant and up to date, we also offer periodic retesting to ensure ongoing accessibility as your site evolves.

In addition, we provide in-person introductory workshops that cover the fundamentals of digital accessibility, including common types of disabilities, assistive tools and technologies, website best practices, and valuable informational resources. Through education, evaluation, and ongoing support, A2Z Computing Services empowers you to build and maintain a website that truly serves everyone.

Take the next step toward a more inclusive digital presence. Contact us today to schedule your accessibility assessment or workshop and start making your website accessible to all.

What the Policy Requires

• The Maine Digital Accessibility and Usability Policy sets standards for state government digital content to be accessible and usable for people with disabilities. This includes websites, documents, apps, and other online services.
• It aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) and federal accessibility expectations like Section 508.

Deadlines for Compliance

• Maine state agencies must plan and maintain accessibility on an ongoing basis.
• Federal deadlines under the ADA Title II Web Rule generally apply to all state and local governments:
  • April 24, 2026: Government entities (including cities/towns) with a population 50,000 or more must comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
  • April 26, 2027: Smaller towns, villages, and special district governments (pop. under 50,000) must comply.

How It Pertains to Towns & Local Governments

• Applicability: While the Maine policy itself explicitly directs state agencies, federal law (ADA Title II) requires all public entities — including towns, counties, special districts, and other local governments — to ensure their digital services are accessible to people with disabilities.
• What That Means Locally:
  • Town websites, online forms (e.g., for permits or tax payments), document repositories, and mobile applications must meet accessibility standards by the relevant deadline.
  • This applies whether a town is large or small — the main difference is the compliance date based on population size.
  • Services provided through digital channels (like public meeting schedules, election info, emergency alerts, payment portals) must be perceivable and usable for all residents, including those with disabilities.

Ongoing Requirements

• Accessibility should be integrated into procurement, creation, updates, and maintenance of digital content.
• Regular review and remediation are best practices to ensure compliance and usability for all users.

In short: Maine’s policy guides state agencies, and federal ADA rules extend similar digital accessibility requirements to towns — meaning municipal websites and apps must be accessible with deadlines that depend on the community’s population.