PROJECT BRIEF

BACKGROUND

The City of Lebanon, New Hampshire must comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that local governments ensure their services, programs, and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Department of Justice’s 2024 rule for digital ADA compliance establishes Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as the technical standard for compliance under Title II of the ADA. Compliance with this standard is crucial to ensure that all citizens can access important government updates, communications, and services.

AIMS

The City of Lebanon aims to guarantee both legal compliance and equitable accessibility for all community members by upholding WCAG 2.1 AA. Adherence to DOJ regulations promotes inclusion, averts prejudice, and improves general user experience for persons with a disability. 

METHODOLOGY

The team conducted research on common themes found in accessibility literature. After highlighting some of the most common ADA complaints, methods focused on interviewing pertinent City stakeholders and conducting accessibility audits ensure user-centered design. 

DELIVERABLES

The project’s 30-page report provides “Action Pack Items” that contain a list of suggestions, recommendations, or forms tailored to the City of Lebanon's current accessibility landscape. The three Action Pack Items address the City of Lebanon’s three major accessibility challenges: (1) digital accessibility compliance, (2) digital accommodation request form submission, and (3) comprehensive software and tools accessibility.

IMPACT AND FUTURE WORK

Examining the demographic breakdown in the City of Lebanon shows that around 10.8% of the entire population identifies as having a disability. Of this subsection, the most common disabilities include. Given the prevalence of these types of disabilities, Lebanon's focus in the short run should be on addressing concerns from online users with mobility, cognitive, and hearing impairments. The City should also further pursue "Universal Design"efforts by opening digital spaces for all users, not just people with disabilities. The principles underlying universal design are the backdrop to ADA regulatory changes. Thus, Lebanon can ensure its compliance efforts by striving above the minimum regulatory criteria toward a universal digital design.