Accessibility and Usability/ Commonwealth PSGs

Virginia.gov is the Commonwealth’s expert on usability and accessibility for websites and online services. Over the past few years, Virginia.gov was instrumental in assisting with the Commonwealth’s Policies, Standards and Guidelines (PSGs) for executive branch agencies. These standards were developed to ensure websites would be usable, share certain common look elements and comply with the American Disabilities Act, 508 Guidelines and the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative.

As our web development toolbox expanded to include screen readers and accessibility software, the demand for Virginia Interactive’s accessibility and usability services became even greater. Virginia.gov can complete an accessibility and usability assessment at virtually any stage of the development process. This evaluation includes:

• Website Audit and Evaluation
  Virginia.gov will create a detailed and customized report of the site or service. The report will outline any specific accessibility problems, highlight what needs to be changed, and provide suggestions on how to make the change(s) in regards to ADA and/or 508 guidelines.
  
  
  
• High-level Usability Analysis
  Virginia.gov will evaluate the best method for a site or service to accomplish the goals set for it by the agency. General "best practices" approaches are outlined, including proper navigation design and information architecture.
  
  
  
• Coding
  Virginia.gov will make the changes required for a site or service to meet "best practices", ADA and/or 508 guidelines, as outlined in the above mentioned reports.

Did you know

“The Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council (CASC) is a small state agency tasked with providing support and training to Virginia’s prosecutors. In 2005 we retained Virginia.gov to redesign our antiquated and inefficient website. Our website is now professional and attractive, as well as very easy to navigate. The new design, which is accessibility compliant, helps us reach all populations, including people with disabilities.” – Jane Sherman Chambers, Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council

About Virginia.gov
Copyright © 1998 - 2008
To contact us, either use our feedback page, or write to:
1111 E. Main Street, Suite 901 Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 786-4718
Toll Free: 1-877-4VA-EGOV (1-877-482-3468)