This page helps Montana agencies, editors, and developers apply ADA Title II and WCAG 2.1 Level AA specifically to websites and applications. It focuses on practical steps you can take in your CMS, code, and design process to make your sites and applications accessible. 

What You Need To Do

If you edit web content (text, images, links, basic pages): Focus on these WCAG 2.1 Level AA practices every time you publish.

  • Use proper headings (H1 once per page, H2/H3 in order)
  • Write clear, descriptive link text (no "click here")
  • Add meaningful alternative text to images that convey information; mark decorative images as decorative.
  • Ensure lists, tables, and labels are real structures, not just visual formatting.
  • Avoid using color alone to convey meaning; check color contrast before publishing.
  • Provide captions for all videos you publish; add transcripts for audio.

If you develop or configure applications and templates: Your work must ensure the templates and components editors user can meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. 

  • Ensure everything is keyboard accessible and visible (logical tab order, clear focus indicator).
  • Associate form fields with labels and error messages programmatically.
  • Use ARIA roles/states only when necessary and correctly. 
  • Support reflow and zoom without loss of content or functionality. 
  • Verify your app works with screen readers and magnification tools for key workflows. 

Website and Application Accessibility Checklist

Use these resources to review pages and applications for WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance and ADA Title II digital accessibility requirements. These checklists supplement, but do not replace, thorough testing with real users and assistive technologies.