ADA Compliance in Colorado
ADA compliance in Colorado isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a commitment to equal access for all. By making your website accessible, you not only protect your organization from lawsuits but also show that inclusivity matters.
Prioritize accessibility and create a better digital experience for everyone.
Colorado ADA Requirements
Colorado is at the forefront of digital inclusivity, becoming one of the first states in to codify website accessibility into state law through House Bill 21-1110.
House Bill 21-1110, also known as Colorado Laws for Persons with Disabilities, sets requirements for providing accessible digital content to people with disabilities across the state.
The Colorado accessibility law for websites reinforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates equal access to digital content and protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. It also requires government agencies and reflects the broader obligation for business websites to meet accessibility standards by adopting internationally recognized guidelines, specifically the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, to achieve ADA compliance in Colorado. For businesses, this is not just a legal requirement under the ADA, but it also reduces the risk of lawsuits and opens access to a broader audience, including millions of users with disabilities who rely on accessible websites to engage with services online.
The Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) provides published accessibility standards that state agencies are expected to follow. In addition to meeting these requirements, organizations are encouraged to stay informed about updates to accessibility laws and WCAG standards to maintain ongoing compliance.
Moreover, individuals and organizations can contact the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office (COSOS) if they have questions or concerns about government agencies' compliance with this accessibility law.
Who Must Comply With HB 21-1110?
All Colorado state and local government agencies, including departments, divisions, and city or county governments providing public services, must comply with HB 21-1110. However, Colorado’s broader accessibility vision supports inclusive digital practices across all sectors. Although not covered by this law, private businesses still need to meet federal ADA requirements and increasingly adopt accessibility to reflect the state’s inclusive approach.
Digital Resources Covered
HB 21-1110 applies broadly to information and communication technology (ICT), including:
- Websites, web applications, and mobile apps
- Digital kiosks
- Video and audio content
- Third-party tools or integrations
- Public-facing and internal systems
The Colorado accessibility law also applies to “active use” digital documents such as PDFs and PowerPoints. These are current, official materials regularly used by the public to access services or by employees to perform job duties. Although archived, outdated, or draft content is not required to comply, accessibility practices such as PDF remediation are generally used to make digital documents more accessible.
Demonstrating Compliance
These actions serve as key indicators of good faith and are critical to demonstrating ongoing efforts to align with the bill’s requirements:
- Publish a Quarterly Accessibility Report: Create a public-facing report that outlines the specific and measurable actions you’ve taken to improve digital accessibility. It should include timelines, completed tasks, and planned improvements. Update it every quarter and ensure it’s easy to locate on your website.
- Provide a Clear and Feedback Process: Set up a straightforward system for users to report accessibility issues they encounter while using your digital platforms. Include detailed instructions and your contact information on every public-facing page. The process should be user-friendly and clearly guide visitors on how to request corrections or provide feedback.
ADA Violation Penalties for Non-Compliant Websites
If your website does not adhere to the requirements set by the ADA and the Colorado digital accessibility law, serious consequences may follow, such as fines, lawsuits, and reputational damages.
Federal Penalties and Legal Enforcement
Under Title 42 of the United States Code( U.S.C.) Section 12182, the Department of Justice (DOJ) can sue your business if your website fails to meet ADA compliance in Colorado.
Legal action may include court-ordered injunctions requiring immediate changes. Additionally, civil penalties, including fines, may be imposed. You may also be ordered to pay compensatory damages, cover attorney fees, and implement corrective actions to make your website compliant.
Lawsuits from Individuals and Groups
Title III of the ADA allows individuals to take legal action when they cannot access your website. These private lawsuits can result in high legal expenses and settlement costs.
This dramatically increases financial risk. In addition to the cost, public lawsuits can seriously damage your brand’s reputation, especially if media coverage draws attention to ongoing non-compliance.
In case you become involved in legal battles over accessibility, advocacy groups like Disability Law Colorado (DLC) can provide legal guidance and support, while helping you address accessibility issues on your website.
How To Ensure Your Website Complies With Colorado Accessibility Law
Here are the critical steps you should take so that your website attains full ADA compliance in Colorado:
- Understand WCAG Standards: Follow WCAG standards, grounded in the POUR principles—Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. For instance, add audio descriptions to all your pre-recorded video content, as specified under WCAG 2.1, Level AA, Success Criterion 1.2.5: “Audio Description (Prerecorded).”
- Empower Your Team: Provide comprehensive training for content creators, designers, and developers on accessibility best practices to ensure ongoing compliance with WCAG standards, the ADA, and Colorado’s website accessibility law.
- Work with Accessibility Experts: Collaborate with qualified experts and professionals to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your digital compliance and develop targeted remediation strategies.
At Be Accessible, we work closely with you to audit your website, uncover accessibility barriers, and provide practical, personalized solutions—whether that’s document remediation, custom-made training, or ongoing support to help you build a more inclusive digital experience.
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