Accessible HTML
For frequently used information, HTML can provide a flexible and accessible way to publish content directly on the website.
Municipal content accessibility
Accessible Municipal Documents
Agendas, minutes, notices, forms, reports, and other public documents are often an important part of the municipal website experience.
Public information in usable formats
CNYCMS can support document accessibility as part of municipal website development and maintenance. When practical, frequently used public information can also be presented as accessible HTML so residents can read it directly in the website.
The appropriate approach depends on the document, its purpose, and the municipality's publishing workflow.
Common document types
- Meeting agendas and minutes
- Public notices and announcements
- Applications and municipal forms
- Policies, reports, and plans
- Board and committee materials
- Public-facing Word and PDF documents
Accessibility practices
Structure matters inside documents too
Document accessibility can include reading order, headings, lists, links, tables, alternative text, form-field labels, titles, and other information that helps assistive technologies interpret the content.
Accessible PDF
PDFs may require tags, logical reading order, document titles, headings, lists, table structure, links, alternative text, and form labels where applicable.
Accessible Word
Word documents benefit from real headings, meaningful links, structured tables, document titles, and alternative text for meaningful graphics.
Part of the municipal publishing workflow
Accessible documents are most sustainable when accessibility is considered as content is created and published. CNYCMS can help integrate document practices into the website maintenance process.
Focused on the public outcome
The goal is not to make document technology the center of the website. The goal is to help residents reach municipal information in a form that is usable and understandable.
Discuss municipal documents and website content
CNYCMS can include document accessibility in a municipal website project or ongoing support arrangement.