PROJECT BRIEF

BACKGROUND

In response to updated Title II regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Paragon partnered with the City of Alexandria to advance its digital accessibility strategy and ensure full compliance by April 2026. This initiative focuses on aligning Alexandria’s digital infrastructure with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards, which emphasize digital content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users, including individuals with disabilities. By investing in accessibility now, the City positions itself as a national leader in inclusive digital services and public benefits delivery, ensuring all residents can navigate and thrive from its digital resources. 

AIMS

This project aimed to ensure that the City’s digital services are accessible to individuals with disabilities and that the city adheres to legal and best practice standards for accessibility. The core objectives of this project are to (1) assess current City digital infrastructure, (2) deliver a comprehensive ADA policy framework, (3) provide a practical auditing framework and procurement recommendations for ADA compliance, and (4) equip City staff with education and tools for maintaining ADA-compliant digital services. 

METHODOLOGY

The project utilized a comprehensive mixed-methods approach to assess the City of Alexandria’s digital ADA compliance and generate informed, actionable recommendations. The process unfolded in three key phases: (1) digital infrastructure audit, (2) benchmarking and comparative analysis, and (3) stakeholder and legal review.

DELIVERABLES

The Paragon team developed four deliverables that focused on improving the City of Alexandria’s digital accessibility, updating digital assets, training City employees, and ensuring the City’s compliance through April 2026: (1) policy recommendations, (2) educational materials, (3) auditing framework, and (4) digital services procurement policy recommendations.

IMPACT AND FUTURE WORK

This project lays the foundation for a more inclusive, accessible digital government in the City of Alexandria. By addressing ADA compliance from multiple dimensions, policy, infrastructure, education, and procurement, the city is well-positioned to meet federal requirements while significantly enhancing digital equity for its residents. Immediate impacts include increased awareness among city leaders, standardized compliance tools, and strengthened legal preparedness. Long-term, the project’s tools and recommendations will guide Alexandria’s future digital services toward more universal design.