Purpose Background Scope
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for website accessibility and to ensure compliance with state and federal laws regarding equal access to websites and content for individuals with disabilities.
II. Background
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 1998 amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 508) require that government websites eliminate barriers in information technology, and encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. Under Section 508 agencies must give individuals with disabilities access to information that is comparable to the access available to others.
III. Scope
This policy applies to all websites maintained by the County, Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, Sonoma County Water Agency, Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District, and the Community Development Commission (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Agencies”.)