Accessibility Grants for Local Governments Opens March 27, 2024

SIPA announces a new grant program for local governments to help meet accessibility compliance guidelines as required by Colorado’s House Bill 21-1110

DENVER, CO, UNITED STATES, March 26, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- SIPA is proud to announce the opening of a new Accessibility Grant Program for local governments to obtain software for creating or modifying documents to meet accessibility compliance guidelines as required by Colorado’s House Bill 21-1110. In partnership with Allyant, one of our newest supplier partners, SIPA will cover the cost for 5,000 one-year licenses for Allyant’s CommonLook PDF and CommonLook Office products that allow users to create accessible documents, as well as training to implement and utilize the software. Eligible governments will be able to apply for up to 25 licenses when the application opens on March 27, 2024 at 9:00 AM.

HB 21-1110 was passed in 2021 requiring all Colorado governments to meet accessibility guidelines as stated by the Governor’s Office of Information Technology. This important measure allows Colorado residents with disabilities to better access crucial information and services; yet poses a budgetary and staffing challenge to local governments. SIPA recognized this gap and explored a way to meet their needs, identifying available revenue from our budget, and negotiated this opportunity with Allyant. “SIPA has been working diligently to meet the growing demand for constituents to connect with their government through digital government services,” states Ajay Bagal, Executive Director. “This program will help to ensure that all Coloradans have equal access to government knowledge and resources by empowering our government partners with the tools they need to create a digital community where everyone can thrive.” Mr. Bagal goes on to say, “We want to thank our partner supplier, Allyant, for helping our communities make sustainable, empowering changes for the future of all Coloradans.” states Ajay Bagal, Executive Director of SIPA.

“We are proud of our partnership with SIPA and applaud them for their efforts in equipping Colorado government agencies with the resources needed to comply with HB21-1110,” states Ariel Kunar, CEO of Allyant. “Colorado has been a leader in ensuring information is made fully accessible to all, regardless of ability, and the approach and programs that Colorado and SIPA have established serve as a model to other states seeking to make accessibility a core practice.”

About Colorado SIPA
Established in 2004 by the Colorado General Assembly, the Colorado Statewide Internet Portal Authority (SIPA) is a self-funded government authority created to help Colorado governments put more information and services online. SIPA strives to accelerate the adoption of efficient and effective digital solutions by partnering with the private sector to provide services and products they offer to Colorado governments through a simple procurement process. For more information about SIPA, please visit sipa.colorado.gov.

About Allyant
Allyant believes every organization’s journey toward equitable access should be simple and seamless, eliminating the worry, stress and uncertainty often associated with accessibility. They offer highly innovative products and services spanning print and digital document remediation services, document remediation software, and digital accessibility auditing in order to enable any organization, regardless of size, industry or location, to deliver compliant, accessible communications, helping them achieve their goals of supporting people with disabilities and ensuring equitable access to information for all. For more information, visit allyant.com.

Catherine Kunst
Colorado Statewide Internet Portal Authority
+1 720-409-5635
catherine@cosipa.gov
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