Page 364 - FY 2026-2027 Adopted Budget Book

Digital Accessibility Partner

Quality of Life

General Fund Communications One-Time $64,450

This request funds the second phase of the City's digital accessibility compliance initiative and supports the
successful launch of Bedford's redesigned website in January 2027. Building on Phase 1 efforts, this 12-month
engagement will provide a comprehensive accessibility audit of the City's website and digital content, staff
training on accessibility best practices, implementation of a strategy to address the City's existing PDF
backlog, assessments of third-party software vendors, and ongoing accessibility consulting throughout the
CivicPlus website redesign, launch, and stabilization period. The project will also include development of a
Digital ADA Transition Plan, accessibility policies, and organizational processes to establish long-term
compliance and sustainable accessibility practices. This initiative helps ensure equitable access to City
information and services, reduces legal and compliance risks, and positions the City to meet evolving federal
digital accessibility requirements.

The City is required to provide accessible digital services and information to all residents, including individuals
with disabilities. Recent federal regulations have established stricter accessibility requirements for local
government websites, digital documents, and online services, making proactive compliance essential. This
project provides the expertise, training, auditing, and policy development necessary to ensure the City's new
website and digital resources meet accessibility standards while reducing legal and compliance risks. The
work will also improve the usability of online services for all residents, create sustainable internal processes for
maintaining accessibility, and support the City's long-term commitment to equitable access to public
information and services.

FY 2026-2027 Adopted Budget Book · September 15, 2026 360