New York City WCAG Compliance Checklist for City Websites

Technology and Data New York 3 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of New York

New York City, New York requires municipal websites and public-program pages to follow recognized web accessibility standards to ensure equal access. This checklist explains practical steps for agency web teams, operators of city-funded public programs, and contractors to align interfaces, documents, and multimedia with WCAG guidelines used by the city and guidance offices.

Begin audits with the highest-traffic public-program pages first.

Scope and standards

City agencies typically adopt WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) at an agreed conformance level for HTML content, documents, and multimedia. Agencies should document the chosen WCAG version and level in procurement and public-program materials and ensure third-party vendors meet those requirements.

Practical checklist

  • Run automated WCAG scans to identify common failures (alt text, color contrast, form labels).
  • Provide accessible versions of documents (tagged PDFs, accessible Word files) and describe alternatives on program pages.
  • Ensure keyboard operability for navigation, forms, and dialogs across public-program workflows.
  • Include accessibility requirements in RFPs, contracts, and vendor acceptance tests for any program software.
  • Budget for ongoing remediation, testing, and third-party monitoring in program budgets.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and oversight for web accessibility in New York City are driven by agency policies and accessibility offices rather than a single municipal fine schedule. Specific monetary fines for website WCAG noncompliance are not specified on the primary city guidance pages; agencies typically use corrective orders, remediation timelines, and contractual remedies with vendors.

  • Enforcer: agency accessibility officer or centralized offices such as the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications.
  • Inspection/Compliance: periodic audits, automated scans, and manual testing by agency teams or third-party auditors.
  • Complaint pathway: agencies accept accessibility complaints and requests for accommodation through designated contacts and web forms; see agency accessibility pages for submission details.
  • Appeals/review: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the primary guidance pages; agencies generally follow internal review and procurement dispute processes.
  • Defenses/discretion: agencies may allow documented temporary exceptions, reasonable accommodation processes, or procurement transition plans where remediation is planned.
If a funding contract includes accessibility requirements, pursue contractual remedies first.

Applications & Forms

Many agencies do not publish a single universal form for web accessibility remediation requests; they provide agency-specific complaint or accommodation forms. If no form is published for a particular program, use the agency's general accessibility contact or procurement office as documented on its official site.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Missing alternative text for images — outcome: remediation request and fix schedule.
  • Poor color contrast in forms — outcome: design updates and reassessment.
  • Non-keyboard operable widgets — outcome: code changes and accessibility re-testing.
  • Unstructured PDFs — outcome: conversion to tagged PDF or HTML alternative.

Action steps for agencies and program managers

  • Conduct an initial accessibility audit and publish a remediation plan with milestones.
  • Update procurement templates to require WCAG conformance and acceptance tests.
  • Train content editors on accessible authoring practices and document templates.
  • Provide clear contact info for accommodations and accessibility complaints on program pages.
Publish remediation timelines publicly for largest public-program pages to build trust.

FAQ

Who enforces web accessibility for city public programs?
Agency accessibility officers and centralized offices coordinate enforcement; complainants may file with the responsible agency for the program.
Are there set fines for noncompliant websites?
Monetary fines for website accessibility are not specified on primary city guidance pages; agencies rely on corrective orders and contractual remedies.
How can a resident request an accessible format?
Use the accessibility/contact link on the program page or the responsible agency's accessibility complaint form.

How-To

  1. Inventory public-program pages, documents, and media to define scope.
  2. Run automated scans and manual tests for representative user journeys.
  3. Create a prioritized remediation plan with deadlines and responsible owners.
  4. Update procurement and vendor contracts to require WCAG conformance and acceptance testing.
  5. Publish accommodation contacts and monitor incoming complaints for trends.
  6. Schedule recurring audits and update training for content staff.

Key Takeaways

  • WCAG alignment is an ongoing program task, not a one-off project.
  • Include accessibility requirements in contracts and acceptance tests.
  • Provide clear complaint and accommodation contacts on program pages.

Help and Support / Resources

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