Our Commitment to Digital Accessibility

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is committed to ensuring that our websites and digital services are accessible to all Virginians, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to provide content that is usable, inclusive and compatible with assistive technologies as outlined in the Virginia Department of Social Services Digital Accessibility Plan.

Accessibility is an ongoing effort, and we continuously work to improve the accessibility of our digital services as standards, tools and user needs evolve.

Accessibility Standards

VDSS aims to ensure that its public-facing websites conform to:

• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA

These standards help ensure that digital content is perceivable, operable, understandable and robust for users of assistive technologies such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, voice recognition software and alternative input devices.

Accessibility Tools and Continuous Monitoring

The VDSS web team uses a combination of automated tools, manual reviews and platform-level controls to identify and address accessibility issues.

Tools Used by VDSS

• WAVE Accessibility Tool - Used to evaluate individual pages and identify common accessibility issues, including missing alternative text, improper heading structure, form labeling issues and color contrast concerns
• SiteImprove - Used for continuous, site-wide monitoring to track accessibility issues, broken links, readability and compliance trends over time
• Google Lighthouse - Used during development and quality assurance testing to evaluate accessibility, performance and adherence to web best practices
• Internal Web Delivery Platform Tools - VDSS uses built-in accessibility features and validation tools within its web delivery platforms to support accessible templates, structured content and consistent implementation across the website

Automated testing tools help identify many accessibility issues; however, they cannot detect all potential barriers. VDSS also incorporates manual reviews and content governance processes to support accessibility across digital content.

Ongoing Accessibility Improvements

VDSS is committed to continuously improving the accessibility of its websites and digital services. Ongoing efforts include:

• Improving templates, components and design patterns to support accessibility by default
• Reviewing and updating content to meet accessibility and plain-language standards
• Providing guidance and training to content editors and web contributors
• Monitoring compliance trends and prioritizing remediation efforts based on impact and usage

Report an Accessibility Issue or Request an Accommodation

If you experience difficulty accessing content on the VDSS website or need an accommodation, you may submit a request using the Accessibility Request Form.

The Accessibility Request Form allows users to:

• Report accessibility barriers
• Request alternative formats or accommodations
• Share feedback related to digital accessibility

Requests submitted through the form are monitored by the VDSS Digital Accessibility Officer. VDSS will provide a formal response within three business days.

Additional Assistance

If you are unable to use the Accessibility Request Form or need additional assistance, you may contact the agency directly by emailing accesshelp@dss.virginia.gov.

Accessibility Statement Scope

This accessibility statement applies to VDSS public-facing websites and digital services maintained by the agency. Some linked content, third-party tools or documents provided by external partners may not be fully accessible; however, VDSS works to address accessibility concerns where feasible.