Welcome to North Dakota’s Agency Basecamp for ADA Compliance
We’re glad you’re here! This hub has been carefully designed to help your agency create inclusive digital services for all North Dakotans. Whether you’re just beginning your accessibility journey or are a ways down the road, we’re here to point you toward helpful tools, training, and tips—in one convenient spot.
Digital Accessibility in a Nutshell
Digital accessibility boils down to designing websites, applications, documents, and other assets so everyone—including people with disabilities—can use them effectively. It’s our shared responsibility as state agencies, one that empowers every North Dakotan to fully participate in the digital world.
In a nutshell, accessibility helps us:
Pursuing the April 2026 Deadline
In response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s final rule mandating Title II compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), North Dakota has launched a statewide initiative to help all digital services meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by April 24, 2026.
We know you’re committed to pursuing compliance leading up to April—not just as a one-time effort, but as an ongoing practice—and we’re with you every step of the way. As a first step, let’s establish some basic roles and responsibilities as we move forward together. (Keep reading, accessibility apprentices!)
Step 1: Understand Roles & Responsibilities
ADA compliance takes clarity and commitment—which is why it’s important to know who does what:
- Agencies: Ensure digital content and services are accessible by fixing issues and creating new content with accessibility in mind.
- NDIT: Direct agencies toward tools, training, resources, and collaborative support to address questions and pursue compliance.
- State Leadership: Prioritize accessibility by granting staff access to training and resources to sustain it over time.
- Vendors and External Partners: Deliver accessible products and services in compliance with contractual standards, and collaborate with agencies to identify and remediate accessibility issues.
Step 2: Access Training & Education
You’ve made it this far, which must means you must be eager to flex your accessibility muscles. We’re right there with you! Check out the state’s current lineup of training resources below—they’re crafted to meet you where you are, whether you’re learning the basics or refining advanced practices.
Enjoy a homegrown “ADA 101” course from our state’s very own EduTech team!
Catch this on-demand document training—straight from top experts.
This ADA tracking tool includes a free intro session and unlimited trainings.
Great news! Siteimprove is the newest tool in our accessibility toolbelt.
Step 3: Explore Tools & Resources
To help agencies move from awareness to action, the state offers a variety of approved resources—so you can up your accessibility game to Legendary status.
Enterprise Solution
We’re excited to announce that North Dakota is entering into a statewide enterprise agreement with Siteimprove—a leading, industry-standard accessibility tool that many other states have adopted as the cornerstone of their ADA strategies. Keep your eyes open for more information!
À La Carte Option
In addition to Siteimprove, North Dakota also partners with Acquia (formerly Monsido), giving you the flexibility to choose the accessibility and supplemental services that work best for your agency.
Accessibility Quick Tips
Use Clear, Simple Language
Keep content straightforward and easy to read for everyone. Avoid jargon or long, complex sentences.
Ensure Keyboard Navigation
Make sure all interactive elements—links, buttons, forms—can be used without a mouse.
Add Descriptive Alt Text
Provide meaningful alternative text for images so screen readers can describe them.
Check Color Contrast
Use high contrast between text and background to improve readability for all users.
Use Headings Properly
Structure content with clear headings (H1, H2, H3) to organize information and aid navigation.
Caption Multimedia
Add captions or transcripts to videos and audio files for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Make Links Descriptive
Avoid vague “click here” links—describe what users will get when they click.
Test With Assistive Tools
Regularly check content using screen readers or accessibility checkers to catch common issues.
Keep Forms Simple
Label fields clearly, provide instructions, and include error messages that explain what’s wrong.
Ensure Document Accessibility
Research file best practices for Word, PowerPoint, and PDFs, and tag headings and tables properly.
Need Help or Have Questions? We’ve Got You.
You don’t have to navigate accessibility alone. If you have questions, need guidance, or aren’t sure where to go, we’re here to help. Please reach out to Mansour Kenareh, Senior Business Analyst.
Continually Connect, Learn, & Improve
Digital accessibility is an ongoing journey, and every step you take makes an impactful difference for the people you serve. Our hope is that this hub can be your go-to resource for guidance, tools, and training along the way.
Let’s create digital services that are accessible and effective for all North Dakotans—together.
More Resources at Your Fingertips
Check out North Dakota’s official accessibility Microsoft Teams chat, a helpful hangout for agencies to talk all things ADA!
Stay up to snuff on Drupal updates—track releases, discover ADA enhancements, and keep your digital services accessible and secure.
Ensure your agency’s digital accessibility statement is clear and compliant. Use our template as your guide!