Indianapolis Accessibility Audit - City Policy Guide

Technology and Data Indiana 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Indiana

Introduction

Indianapolis, Indiana requires public services to be accessible to residents, including city-run websites and online portals. This guide explains how to request an accessibility audit for city website services, what departments handle compliance, typical enforcement pathways, and practical steps to file a request or complaint. It is written for residents, advocates, and contractors working with Indianapolis municipal websites and focuses on process, deadlines, and remedies rather than technical WCAG detail.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City addresses digital accessibility through administrative policies and accommodation procedures rather than a single municipal fine schedule for websites. Specific monetary fines for inaccessible web content are not stated on the primary city procedural page; enforcement commonly proceeds by administrative remedy, remediation orders, or contractual remedies for vendors. To file a complaint or request an accommodation, use the city ADA contact and complaint form on the official Indianapolis ADA page[1].

Start with an accommodation request to prompt an administrative review before pursuing formal remedies.
  • Enforcer: City ADA coordinator or the relevant city department that operates the website (department contact via the ADA page).
  • Inspection/Review: administrative review or technical audit ordered by the department or city IT office; timelines not specified on the cited page.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for municipal website accessibility.
  • Appeals/Review: appeal routes are administrative review and possibly municipal court or civil action depending on the remedy; time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: remediation orders, access plans, contract remedies for vendors, or referral to higher administrative bodies.

Common violations and typical outcomes:

  • Poor or missing alt text on public documents — remediation orders or site updates.
  • Uncaptioned video content — requirement to add captions or transcripts.
  • Navigation or form controls not accessible by keyboard — prioritized technical fixes.

Applications & Forms

The city maintains an ADA accommodation and complaint intake mechanism; the specific form name, form number, fees, and submission deadlines are not specified on the cited page. If you are a vendor under contract, review your contract for required remediation procedures and any liquidated damages clauses.

If a posted form is unavailable, submit a written accommodation request describing the issue and desired outcome.

How to Request an Accessibility Audit

Follow these action steps to request an audit or an accommodation for a city website service.

  1. Document the accessibility issue: include URLs, screenshots, devices/browsers, and specific steps to reproduce the problem.
  2. Submit an accommodation request or complaint using the city ADA contact page and intake form[1].
  3. Request a formal audit: ask whether the city will perform an internal audit or commission an external accessibility audit and request the proposed scope and timeline.
  4. If you are a vendor, notify the city contact and follow contract remedies; request written confirmation of remediation deadlines.
  5. If unresolved, ask about escalation and appeal paths, including administrative review or referral to appropriate municipal or state authorities.

FAQ

Who handles accessibility complaints for Indianapolis city websites?
The City ADA coordinator and the department that operates the website handle complaints; file via the city ADA contact page linked above.
Can I request a formal audit or only an accommodation?
You can request either; ask the ADA contact whether the city will commission a full audit and what the expected scope and timeline will be.
Are there fees to request an accessibility audit?
The city does not list fees for requesting an audit on the primary ADA information page; vendor audits contracted by the city may incur charges under procurement rules.

How-To

How to prepare and submit a request for an accessibility audit of a city website.

  1. Gather evidence: URLs, screenshots, device info, and steps to reproduce the issue.
  2. Complete and submit the city ADA intake or accommodation request describing the issue and desired remedy.
  3. Ask the city to confirm audit scope, standards used (for example WCAG 2.1), timeline, and reporting format.
  4. Agree on remediation steps and deadlines; request written confirmation and follow up if deadlines are missed.
Keep a dated record of all communications and copies of submissions to support any appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with an accommodation request to trigger an administrative review.
  • Document issues thoroughly and request a defined audit scope and timeline.

Help and Support / Resources

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