DGS created the ADA Compliance Toolkit for forms to help state departments determine whether their website content meets state and federal accessibility requirements.

State Laws 

  • Government Code §11546.7 – The requirement that state agency heads certify, every two years, that their agency’s website meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Version 2.0 or a subsequent version, at Level AA or higher, and the requirements of Sections 11135 and 7405 of the Government Code. Created by AB 434 (Baker, Chapter 780, Statutes of 2017), and sometimes referred to as AB 434.
  • Government Code §11135 – Requires that state programs and activities meet the requirements of Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12132), federal regulations implementing the ADA, and any state laws that provide stronger protections.
  • Government Code §7405 – Requires that state governmental entities’ websites (and other electronic and information technology systems) comply with the accessibility requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §794d) and implementing regulations.

Federal Laws and Regulations 

  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1073 – The main federal law governing accessibility of federal electronic and information technology systems, which has been made applicable to California state government. The link goes to a federal web page that links to both the code section and its implementing regulations.
  • Test departmental forms for accessibility.
  • Determine how each agency will meet accessibility requirements. 
  • Contact the Statewide Forms Manager to remove any discontinued forms.
  • Update remaining forms to meet WCAG, Version 2.0 or a subsequent version, at Level AA or higher.
  • Provide updated ADA accessible forms to the Statewide Forms Manager to post to the California State Forms Directory.
  • Department of Rehabilitation – Introduction to ADA/FEHA 
    This class is designed to provide familiarity with the basic provisions of the California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • CDT Website Accessibility Training 
    This two-day instructor led class will assist students in becoming proficient in creating and publishing webpages and documents that are accessible. The course includes lectures in a computer lab environment to reinforce learning. It is intended for beginners to advanced developers/programmers.
  • Office of State Publishing (OSP) contracting services
    State agencies may request ADA remediation for their electronic documents to make them accessible for screen readers, allowing the visually impaired to hear an auditory version of the text and images.
  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0
    The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provides a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally.