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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: April 7, 2026 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 7-c <br /> SUBJECT: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Orange County's Online Content <br /> DEPARTMENT: Office of Civil Rights and Civic <br /> Life <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Presentation Paul Slack, 919-345-2317 <br /> PURPOSE: To receive a report on the changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) <br /> guidelines and how they will impact County business. <br /> BACKGROUND: The 2024 update to the Americans with Disabilities Act sets a new standard for <br /> making government websites and digital services accessible by requiring compliance with WCAG <br /> 2.1 Level AA. Essentially, this means Orange County's online content (websites, forms, PDFs, <br /> and service portals) must be easier to see, use, and understand for people with disabilities, <br /> especially visual and hearing disabilities. The update puts more focus on mobile access, clearer <br /> navigation, and making sure all users can complete tasks without barriers. For Orange County, <br /> this will require reviewing and fixing existing content, building accessibility into new projects, and <br /> ensuring staff and vendors follow these standards going forward. Jurisdictions of Orange County's <br /> size need to meet these requirements by April 24, 2026. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the presentation of the <br /> information. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 5: PUBLIC EDUCATION/LEARNING COMMUNITY <br /> OBJECTIVE 1. Foster collaborative relationships with formal and informal educational <br /> organizations and agencies to provide opportunities for community members to meet, <br /> connect, and learn together. <br /> • GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY <br /> OBJECTIVE 5. Increase access to and awareness of resources and assistance available <br /> to residents and businesses. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board receive the report and provide <br /> any comments and questions. <br />