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CMS/BCCS Directive - Templates/Accessibility
2/25/2004
Entities under the Governor,
In order for state government to operate in the most efficient manner possible and deliver services effectively to all citizens, we must work together in the strategic use of technology across the enterprise. With that goal in mind, we must continue to expand efforts toward the coordinated use of Internet technology to provide services and information to our citizens and businesses. We must collaborate to save money, reduce duplication, improve accessibility, ensure compatibility, and increase communication among state agencies, boards, and commissions.
With these goals in mind, each entity shall utilize the Official State Web Templates developed and provided by Central Management Services (CMS), Bureau of Communication and Computer Services (BCCS) through the Illinois Technology Office (ITO) in response to the current “Center Lead” strategy. Agencies not yet utilizing the templates are required to start a dialog with the ITO and begin implementation in an efficient and timely manner.
In addition to the templates, which represent a unified step towards accessibility and standardized functionality, agencies are also required to utilize the Illinois Web Accessibility Standards. This will help ensure that the features of the templates are maximized and entity-specific services and information are provided effectively. These standards will be adhered to for the development of web sites, intranets, and web-based applications to provide greater access to State web sites and online services for all citizens including those with disabilities. These standards are designed to provide practical and specific direction that meets or exceeds all standards covered in "Section 508" of the federal Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 and all "Priority 1" Checkpoints of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
In a leadership role, CMS/BCCS/ITO will continue to develop web strategies, methods, and policies in collaboration with the Governor’s Office and state agencies. Agencies will leverage these strategies, methods, and policies to develop effective web sites without duplication of fundamental design activities.
In addition to the required usage of the templates and the standards by entities under the Governor we also invite constitutional officers, elected officials and county and local government to partner with us. A unified effort will benefit Illinois.
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