Accessibility

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Adams County Sheriff's Office is committed to providing equitable access to our services, programs, and information for all community members, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to provide an inclusive environment that meets or exceeds the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Colorado House Bill 21-1110.

Our ongoing accessibility effort works towards being in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria. These guidelines help make technology accessible not only to users with sensory, cognitive and mobility disabilities, but ultimately to all users, regardless of ability.

Response Commitment

We are committed to providing timely responses to reports of inaccessible technology or requests for assistance. All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and we will do our best to reply to all communications within two (2) business days. Reasonable accommodations or modifications are provided at no cost.

Compliance Timeline and Current Status

HB21-1110 Compliance

Colorado House Bill 21-1110 requires state and local government websites to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. We are committed to full compliance and are currently:

Our Commitment

Until our new accessible website launches, we ensure that no individual is denied access to information or services due to website accessibility barriers. All digital content and online services are available through alternative methods at no additional cost.

Digital Accessibility

Current Website Status

We acknowledge that our current website does not fully meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. We are actively working to address this gap and improve digital accessibility for all users.

Upcoming Website Improvements

We are developing a new, fully accessible website scheduled to launch in August 2025. This new website will:

• Meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards
• Comply with Colorado House Bill 21-1110 requirements
• Include comprehensive accessibility features such as:
  • Alternative text for all images and graphics
  • Full keyboard navigation compatibility
  • High contrast color schemes
  • Text resizing up to 200% without loss of functionality
  • Clear headings and logical page structure
  • Descriptive link text and labels

Alternative Access to Web Information

Until our new accessible website launches, we provide alternative ways to access online information:

• Phone assistance: Call (303) 655-3247 to have staff read web content or assist with online forms
• Help Desk support: Call (720) 685-3858 for technical assistance and alternative access to digital resources
• Email requests: Send information requests to [email protected] for digital document delivery
• In-person assistance: Visit our office for help accessing any online information
• Document requests: Request printed or alternative format versions of any web content

Accessibility Services and Accommodations

Examples of Accommodations Include

• Document Translation: Materials available in alternative formats (large print, audio recording, electronic text compatible with screen readers)
• Physical Accommodations: Accessible parking, entrances, and facilities
• Large Print Materials: Documents and forms in enlarged text
• Digital Format Conversion: Electronic versions of printed materials
• Staff Assistance: Help accessing web-based information and completing forms
• Simple Language Versions: Documents provided in clear, easy-to-understand language
• Visual Aids: Pictorial formats and visual communication tools

Communication Assistance

• Written communication options for all interactions
• Multilingual interpretation services

Workplace Accommodations

Current employees needing workplace accommodation should contact our ADA Coordinator for support. Prospective employees who have been invited to interview for an employment opportunity should work directly with the person arranging the interview.

Requesting Accommodations

How to Request

To request an accommodation or accessibility service:

Request Processing

• All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis
• We respond to all communications within two (2) business days
• Reasonable accommodations are provided at no cost
• Accommodation requests that would impose an undue financial, technical or administrative burden may not be fulfilled as requested

Advanced Notice

While we strive to accommodate immediate requests, advance notice of 48-72 hours is preferred for:

• Document conversion to alternative formats
• Specialized equipment needs

Alternative Format Requests

We can provide information in alternative formats including:

• Large print (16-point font or larger)
• Audio recording
• Electronic text (compatible with screen readers)
• Simple language versions
• Visual aids and pictorial formats

Processing Time

• Standard requests: 3-5 business days
• Complex documents: Up to 14 business days

Reporting Accessibility Barriers

We are aware that our current website contains accessibility barriers and are actively working to address them through our new website project. However, we still encourage you to report any accessibility barriers you encounter:

For current website issues: While we are already working on comprehensive website improvements, your specific feedback helps us prioritize alternative assistance and prepare for our new site.

For facilities or service barriers: Please report these immediately as we can often address them quickly.

What to Include in Your Report

• Specific location or webpage where you encountered the barrier
• Type of assistive technology you were using (if applicable)
• Description of the difficulty you experienced
• Your contact information (optional, but helpful for follow-up)

We will respond to all reports within 2 business days and provide alternative access to any needed information.

Assistive Technology Resources

Future Compatibility (August 2025)

Our new website will be tested with assistive technologies including:

• JAWS (Job Access With Speech)
• NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking
• ZoomText screen magnification
• Apple VoiceOver
• Android TalkBack

We will conduct both automated and manual accessibility audits to ensure comprehensive compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

Current Alternative Access

While our current website has limited assistive technology compatibility, we provide these alternatives:

• Phone support: Staff assistance for accessing any web-based information
• Screen reader accessible documents: Available upon request
• Alternative format conversion: Any web content can be provided in accessible formats

Browser Accessibility Features

Most modern browsers include built-in accessibility features:

• Text size adjustment
• High contrast modes
• Voice control options
• Keyboard navigation settings

Training and Awareness

Our staff receives regular training on:

• ADA compliance and requirements
• Disability awareness and etiquette
• Assistive technology basics
• Effective communication techniques
• Emergency procedures for individuals with disabilities

How We Are Implementing Accessibility

Website Testing and Remediation: We are conducting comprehensive accessibility audits in preparation for our new website launch. Manual and automated testing will be implemented for the new site with continuous monitoring and improvement processes.

Procurement: We are developing systems to ensure all digital products we procure meet established technical standards by including accessibility requirements in contracts and requiring vendor accessibility conformance reports.

Grievance Procedures

If you believe you have been discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may file a grievance under our ADA compliance procedures. We have established grievance procedures under the Americans with Disabilities Act for addressing complaints about accessibility barriers or discrimination.

This grievance procedure does not preclude your right to file a complaint with federal agencies or pursue other legal remedies.

External Resources

National Organizations

• ADA National Network: adata.org
• Disability Rights Colorado: disabilityrightsco.org
• National Federation of the Blind: nfb.org
• National Association of the Deaf: nad.org

State Resources

• Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition: ccdc.org
• Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: colorado.gov/dvr
• Colorado Assistive Technology Program: colorado.gov/catp

Technology Resources

• WebAIM: Web accessibility evaluation tools
• WAVE: Online accessibility checker
• Color Contrast Analyzers: Free tools for checking color accessibility

Contact Information

Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continuously improving accessibility across all our services and platforms. We regularly:

• Conduct accessibility audits of our website and facilities
• Update our practices based on user feedback
• Stay current with accessibility standards and best practices
• Engage with the disability community for input and guidance

Your feedback helps us identify areas for improvement and ensures we continue to serve all community members effectively.