Accessibility Governance and Ongoing Compliance for Public Entities

Accessibility is not a one-time project. Under ADA Title II, public entities benefit most from a governance-based approach that integrates accessibility into daily operations.

This page explains why governance matters and how public entities can implement it.

Why Governance Is Essential

Without governance:

  • Accessibility efforts become inconsistent

  • Issues reappear after remediation

  • Knowledge is lost during staff turnover

Governance ensures continuity and accountability.

Key Elements of Accessibility Governance

Effective programs include:

  • Defined accessibility ownership

  • Documented policies and standards

  • Content review workflows

  • Vendor accessibility requirements

  • Regular testing and reporting

Roles and Responsibilities

Accessibility governance often involves:

  • ADA coordinators

  • IT and digital teams

  • Communications staff

  • Procurement officers

  • Legal or risk management stakeholders

Clear role definition reduces confusion and risk.

Training and Process Integration

Training helps staff:

  • Understand accessibility basics

  • Create compliant content

  • Avoid introducing new barriers

Accessibility should be embedded into:

  • Content publishing workflows

  • Website redesigns

  • Vendor selection processes

Measuring Progress

Ongoing compliance is supported by:

  • Periodic accessibility reviews

  • Documentation of remediation efforts

  • Continuous improvement planning