Beyond Compliance: The Journey to Accessible Documentation and Form Remediation
Case Study
Washington State Office of Financial Management
The Problem
The Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) uncovered a significant accessibility hurdle: their online Human Resources (HR) forms were inaccessible to customers with disabilities, particularly those who use screen readers. OFM hosts HR forms for multiple state agencies, including job applications, time-off requests, and manager performance reviews. This accessibility gap created an inequitable experience for applicants, managers, and employees with disabilities, while also violating crucial accessibility regulations such as WCAG 2.1 Level AA and ADA Section 508.
The Solution
Partnering with Anthro-Tech, OFM elevated the accessibility of their online HR forms, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect. We audited, remediated, tested, and revamped Word documents, ensuring they were compatible with assistive technologies. Some HR forms were transformed into accessible PDFs, while others became user-friendly online data tables. Rigorous testing with screen readers and usability studies ensured compliance and usability. This ensures that everyone can easily navigate essential HR processes, regardless of ability.
Document remediation ensures digital documents are accessible, by reformatting and tagging them for compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
The Impact
Our partnership with OFM transcends mere compliance. Today, individuals with disabilities seamlessly navigate essential HR forms, championing a culture of inclusivity within the agency. OFM also received coaching from our digital accessibility experts to become a more accessible institution.
Our collaborative efforts aligned OFM with its core values of inclusion and propelled its vision of, “Working together for the equitable future of every Washingtonian” into tangible, impactful action.