COSS has made a commitment to accessibility from our founding. Public open space is for everyone, and information about public open space should be for everyone too.
A major accessibility change is coming for government. In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice finalized new ADA Title II digital accessibility rules for state and local governments. These rules require government websites, mobile apps, and many types of online content to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
The compliance deadline for public entities that serve a population of 50,000 or more is April 24, 2026.
COSS is not a government entity, and the deadline is not being imposed on us. We are choosing to meet these standards because it aligns with our values and our mission.
Our training and capacity
We already have one member who has completed the Massachusetts Office on Disability Community Access Monitor (CAM) training and several others with partial training. We expect a second member to complete the CAM training by the end of April 2026.
What changes will you see on our website
We are committing to WCAG 2.1 Level AA as our target for our website and digital content.
Here are the practical changes we are working on.
More accessible pages for keyboard and screen reader users
We are reviewing navigation, headings, and page structure so content is easier to use with assistive technology and without a mouse.
Better access to documents and older materials
PDFs are often the hardest content to make accessible. We will rely more on web pages with real text and clear structure, and we will improve or replace documents that are not usable with screen readers.
Better photo galleries and images
We will continue expanding meaningful alt text and descriptions so images communicate their purpose and context.
Better video access
When we post video, we will work toward captions and written summaries so the information is available in more than one format.
Clearer summaries and better links to sources
When we post information about town activities that serve the public, we will use plain-language summaries and provide links to the original sources when available.
We also invite other 501(c)(3) groups to join us in this commitment. A community is judged by how it treats those with the greatest needs, and accessibility is one of the most practical ways we can show that we mean it.
How you can help
If you find something on our site that is challenging to use, please tell us. Send the page link and a short note about what is not working for you. We will work to fix it or provide the information in an accessible format.
Accessibility is not a box to check. It is a long-term commitment. COSS is making that commitment because it is the right thing to do.
COSS 501(c)(3) notice
COSS Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This post is provided for educational and informational purposes to support our mission of open space stewardship and community access. It does not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office and does not support or oppose any political party.
Independence and no affiliation with the Town of Chelmsford
COSS Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization. We are not a Town of Chelmsford department, board, committee, or commission. We do not speak for the Town of Chelmsford, and our posts should not be interpreted as official town communications.