DHHS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

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Section III:	Communications
Title:	Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities
Current Effective Date:	3/30/05
Revision History:	8/1/02
Original Effective Date:	5/10/01

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Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure all Department Health and Human Services (DHHS) web sites are accessible to people with disabilities.

Policy

The DHHS provides a broad range of services to the citizens of North Carolina. A primary goal of DHHS is to ensure optimum accommodation is made to provide information and services to people with disabilities using DHHS web based resources. This policy applies to all web sites developed and/or operated using DHHS resources.

Implementation

1. Levels of Accessibility
   The Information Resource Management Commission (IRMC) has established accessibility guidelines using the "Web Content Accessibility Guidelines" of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Architectural requirements can be found in the W3C's "Checklist of Checkpoints for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines," http://www.w3.org/TR/WAI-WEBCONTENT/full-checklist.html. These guidelines identify three (3) compliance levels, Priority 1, Priority 2 and Priority 3.
   
   Priority 1:
   Every DHHS web site must satisfy the requirements specified in level 1.
   
   Priority 2:
   Every DHHS web site should satisfy the priority 2 requirements to the fullest extent possible. If a checkpoint cannot be met, or if it is determined that it is not applicable to the site under development, reasonable documentation should be provided. All checkpoints must be addressed.
   
   Priority 3:
   DHHS web site should address the applicability of level 3 requirements as determined by the web site contents, audience, and availability of resources.



2. Accountability for Compliance
   Responsibility for assuring compliance with this policy lies within the division that owns the web site.



3. Technical Assistance
   The division of information resources management will provide technical assistance and resources to the fullest extent possible in assisting divisions/facilities/schools to meet the specified guidelines.

For questions or clarification on any of the information contained in this policy, please contact The Division of Information Resource Management. For general questions about department-wide policies and procedures, contact the DHHS Policy Coordinator.