Accessibility as a Value
Accessibility is not a destination; it is a value, a shift in our culture. Our objective is to improve access to the State’s programs, services, activities, and technologies. This means a continuous dedication to removing barriers for all residents of our great state.
Removing Access Barriers with ADA Accommodations
An Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation is a modification or adjustment made to a job, work environment, or a program, service, or activity. The ADA requires employers and places of public accommodation to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.
These accommodations must be reasonable and effective, meaning it does not impose an undue hardship or burden on the employer or place of public accommodation. ADA Accommodations include:
- Physical accommodations (accessible parking spaces, ramps, elevators, modifying workstations to accommodate physical limitations, working from home, etc.)
- Sensory accommodations (screen readers, amplified phones, noise-canceling technologies, ASL interpreters and captioning services, or even adjusting lighting or noise levels to accommodate sensory sensitivities)
- Cognitive accommodations (providing extended times for testing, supporting access to mental health resources, flexible work schedules, allowing for modified break schedules, or providing instructions in a variety of formats)
Please Note: Not all individuals with a disability will need to request an accommodation.
Funding Available for ADA Accommodations
The ADA Accommodation Fund provides reimbursement to State agencies for ADA accommodation and modification-related expenses. This fund is managed by the Statewide Equity Office. Learn how the fund is run.
Apply for Accommodation Funds
State agencies can request reimbursement for ADA accommodation and modification-related expenses by completing the Request Accommodation Reimbursement form.
Accessibility & Accommodation Resources
- Accessibility Overview
- Legal Auxiliary Services Referral Resource List
- Accessibility and Language Access in Public Meetings
- Accommodation Request Guidance
- Price Agreement Spreadsheet (Translation services start on row 224.)
Aira - Live Visual Interpretation
Aira is a live visual interpretation service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Through the Aira app, your smartphone camera streams secure, live video to a professionally trained agent who visually interprets what is shared, from describing and reading to explaining and navigating, just about anything safely and securely. Learn more on the Governor's Office of Information Technology Aira page.
For State of Colorado Employees
All State employees have access to Aira. Managers must contact the OIT accessibility inbox on behalf of their employees. Please include the name of the person and the cell phone number associated with the access request.
For Coloradans and Vistors
Aira is provided to Coloradans and visitors at no cost (30 minutes per session). After the 30-minute call, you can call back immediately and begin another no-cost 30-minute session.
The service includes:
- Assistance navigating locations
- Describing the scenery and environment
- Interpreting otherwise inaccessible documentation
The free sessions are available at all State of Colorado digital and physical locations such as the Capitol building, state parks, colleges and universities, and state workforce centers.