Report Website Accessibility Violations - Colorado Springs Law
In Colorado Springs, Colorado, anyone who encounters a website that is inaccessible to people with disabilities can file a complaint with the city to request review and remediation. This guide explains what to include, which city offices typically handle web-accessibility complaints, and the practical steps to report suspected violations of accessibility requirements under applicable city policy and federal law. For the controlling municipal code and local procedures, consult the City of Colorado Springs Code of Ordinances library[1] (current as of February 2026).
Who handles website accessibility complaints
The City’s ADA or accessibility coordinator, the City Attorney’s office, and the department that operates the website are the primary contacts for web-accessibility complaints. If the website is operated by a city department its IT or communications unit will usually be responsible for remediation; for third-party contractors the city may require vendor correction or replacement.
What to include in a report
- Exact URL(s) where the accessibility barrier appears and date/time you tested.
- Description of the assistive technology used (screen reader, keyboard only, screen magnifier) and the steps to reproduce the issue.
- Screenshot(s) or short video showing the problem where possible.
- Your contact information and whether you seek a specific remedy (access to information, functional equivalent, document in alternate format).
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of website accessibility issues in Colorado Springs typically follows administrative or corrective pathways rather than a standard municipal fine schedule specific to web accessibility. Where the municipal code or city policy creates penalties those appear in the City Code or department enforcement rules; if no specific web-accessibility fine is listed the city will rely on corrective orders, vendor compliance requirements, and federal remedies under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: corrective orders, required remediation timelines, contractual remedies against vendors, and referral to legal counsel or courts.
- Enforcer: City ADA/Accessibility Coordinator or City Attorney for municipal sites; the responsible department for departmental websites.
- Inspection/complaint pathways: informal review by IT/communications, formal written complaint to the ADA Coordinator, or referral to external enforcement (federal or state) if applicable.
Appeals, review and time limits
- Appeal/review routes: administrative review by the department or City Attorney; judicial review if administrative remedies are exhausted.
- Time limits for filing appeals or pursuing judicial relief: not specified on the cited page; check the controlling ordinance or contact the ADA Coordinator for deadlines.
- Defences/discretion: reasonable accommodations, documented undue hardship, active remediation plans, or approved variances may affect enforcement.
Common violations
- Missing alt text on images — typically remediated by adding descriptive alt attributes.
- Poor keyboard navigation or focus order — typically remediated by adjusting HTML and scripting.
- Inaccessible PDF or document attachments — typically remediated by providing accessible formats.
Applications & Forms
There is no standardized municipal “website accessibility complaint” form published in the City Code; complainants can submit a written complaint to the ADA Coordinator or the relevant department. For specific forms or vendor remediation requests check the department web pages or contact the City Clerk or ADA Coordinator for any published complaint forms.
How to report — step-by-step
- Gather evidence: URLs, screenshots, assistive technology used, and steps to reproduce.
- Prepare a concise written complaint with your contact information and preferred remedy.
- Submit the complaint to the City ADA/Accessibility Coordinator or the department that maintains the website; request an acknowledgment and expected timeframe for a response.
- If the city does not resolve the issue, consider filing with a state or federal enforcement agency (for example, the U.S. Department of Justice) or seek legal advice.
FAQ
- How do I report a website that is inaccessible?
- Collect URLs, screenshots, and a description of your assistive technology, then submit a written complaint to the City ADA/Accessibility Coordinator or the department responsible for the site.
- Will I be charged a fee to file a complaint?
- No fee is normally required to file an accessibility complaint with the city; if a form or process requires a fee that will be published by the department.
- How long will it take for the city to respond?
- The city’s response time is not specified on the cited page; request an acknowledgment when you file and ask for an estimated remediation timeline.
How-To
- Identify and document the inaccessible feature with URL, date/time, and assistive technology used.
- Compose a clear complaint describing the barrier and desired remedy.
- Send the complaint to the City ADA/Accessibility Coordinator and the website’s operating department; request confirmation of receipt.
- Follow up after the city’s stated timeframe; if unresolved, consider escalation to state or federal enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Document URLs and assistive-technology steps before filing.
- Submit complaints to the City ADA/Accessibility Coordinator and the department operating the site.
- The municipal code provides the controlling ordinances; contact city offices for forms and timelines.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Colorado Springs Code of Ordinances (Municode)
- City departments directory - Colorado Springs
- Information Technology / Web Services - Colorado Springs