Web Standards

In an effort to address the needs of all Internet users, the Illinois Technology Office has established the Illinois Web Accessibility Standards (IWAS). In March 2004, the City of Chicago moved toward adoption of the Illinois Web Accessibility Standards for the development of City-controlled web sites, and web-based applications. To do so, all requests for and responses to proposals for new Internet development include reference to and criteria for accessibility compliance, design and pre-production reviews that include compliance assessment and remedial actions (e.g., including alternative formats; functional contacts and procedures for personal assistance regarding non-compliant business processes), and random or requested checks and corrective notifications for non-compliance issues. The City also encourages compliance by the various entities responsible for all non-City-controlled web sites and applications that link to City sites and applications (e.g., Sister Agencies; other government units).

The Illinois Web Accessibility Standard is based on both the Federal "Section 508" and World Wide Web Consortium accessibility guidelines. The panel of experts who developed IWAS considered of the principles to accessability in both of these standards.The federal Section 508 guideline deals with a very basic level of accessibility needs while leaving out some issues facing users. The W3C guideline, on the other hand, offer three tiers of priorities that go into greater depth than many government entities are able to address at this time. IWAS incorporates a reasonable combination of the two, creating a standard well suited to serve the users of the State of Illinois and City of Chicago web sites.

For further inquiries about Internet accessibility and requests for materials in alternate formats, please contact:

Illinois Web Accessibility Standard

City of Chicago Integration Strategy