File Website Accessibility Complaint - Montgomery
In Montgomery, Alabama, residents and visitors who encounter inaccessible municipal websites can file a complaint with the city or seek remedies under federal disability law. This guide explains the practical steps to report a website accessibility problem affecting access to city services, identifies the likely enforcing offices, and explains timelines and appeal options. Use the steps below to gather evidence, submit a clear complaint, and follow up if the issue is not resolved.
Penalties & Enforcement
Montgomery does not publish a city-specific fine schedule for website accessibility violations on its municipal code page; remedies for inaccessible digital services are typically pursued through administrative grievance procedures or federal disability enforcement. For the municipal code and general ordinances see the City of Montgomery Code of Ordinances [1] and for federal standards refer to the U.S. Department of Justice (ADA) guidance on website accessibility [2].
- Fines or monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first informal remediation, followed by formal grievance or federal complaint; specific progressive ranges not specified on the cited pages.
- Non-monetary remedies: corrective orders, access plans, consent decrees, or federal enforcement actions.
- Primary enforcer: City administrative office designated for ADA/accessible services (see Help and Support / Resources below for contacts).
- Appeals/review: municipal appeal processes or federal complaint to DOJ; time limits for municipal appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The City does not publish a specific online "website accessibility complaint" form in the municipal code; complaints are usually submitted to the city ADA coordinator or through general complaint/contact forms. If a published form exists it will be on the city's official website or department pages (not specified on the cited pages).
How to File a Complaint
- Collect evidence: URLs, screenshots, device/browser used, and a short description of the barrier.
- Identify the responsible office: city ADA coordinator, IT or the department that published the content.
- Send a clear complaint by email or the city contact form; include your contact info and requested remedy.
- Allow the city reasonable time to respond; note any deadlines stated in the city's response.
- If unresolved, consider filing a federal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice or seeking legal advice.
Common Violations
- Missing alt text on images or unlabeled controls.
- Poor keyboard navigation and inaccessible forms.
- Videos without captions or audio descriptions.
FAQ
- Who enforces website accessibility for city sites?
- The city administration and designated ADA coordinator enforce accessibility at the municipal level; federal enforcement by the U.S. Department of Justice is also available.
- How long will the city take to respond?
- Response times vary by office; a reasonable time is expected but specific municipal deadlines are not specified on the cited pages.
- Can I file a federal complaint?
- Yes. If local remedies do not resolve the issue, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice under the ADA.
How-To
- Document the accessibility issue with URLs, screenshots, and steps to reproduce.
- Locate the city department responsible for the content and find the ADA coordinator or contact form on the city's official site.
- Submit a written complaint with your evidence and a clear requested remedy; keep copies of all communications.
- If the city does not resolve the issue, file a federal ADA complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice or seek legal assistance.
Key Takeaways
- File first with the city's ADA contact for quickest resolution.
- Keep evidence and dates to support appeals or federal complaints.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Montgomery - Human Resources
- City of Montgomery - City Clerk
- Mayor's Office, City of Montgomery