PROJECT BRIEF

BACKGROUND

While the City of Los Angeles, California has already made significant progress in fostering an inclusive digital infrastructure, inconsistencies in accessibility standards across departments and platforms present an opportunity for improvement. By standardizing compliance and resolving remaining accessibility challenges, Los Angeles City Council District 3 (LA CD3) and the broader City of Los Angeles can strengthen their commitment to equitable service and establish themselves as a model of digital inclusivity for municipalities nationwide.

AIMS

In order to ensure a comprehensive approach to improving digital accessibility, this project offered targeted recommendations based on the current level of adoption and desired compliance goals of LA CD3. The project and its deliverables were designed to support city staff in achieving compliance with accessibility standards, implementing technical improvements, and fostering meaningful community engagement, so that LA CD3 can make its digital platforms and resources more inclusive and accessible to all residents.

METHODOLOGY

The team started by reviewing best practices in digital accessibility and conducted pilot interviews. The team also assessed department and district websites for accessibility compliance using automated tools and manual testing. Finally, the project team reviewed the April 24, 2024, Department of Justice final rule requiring state and local governments to make their website compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level A and Level AA guidelines for ADA Title II.

DELIVERABLES

Project deliverables included (1) compliance guidelines and a technical standards handbook focused on Level AA compliance with WCAG 2.2, (2) an accessibility standards deck that provides LA CD3 with a standardized framework for understanding and addressing recurring accessibility issues, and a (3) community engagement interview guide designed to facilitate focus sessions with key stakeholders.

IMPACT AND FUTURE WORK

These deliverables equip LA CD3 with tailored tools, resources, and recommendations, directly supporting the City of LA in meeting its WCAG compliance obligations while fostering a culture of proactive accessibility. With standardized compliance guidelines and actionable resources, LA CD3 staff can efficiently identify and resolve accessibility issues, ensuring that digital infrastructure improvements align with DOJ mandates. At the same time, by prioritizing accessibility and involving stakeholders in the process, LA CD3 strengthens its relationship with the community, meeting evolving needs of its residents.