In Colorado, the online landscape for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) is being reshaped by a new era of digital accessibility laws. Creating online content and websites that are accessible is absolutely the right thing to do, and House Bill 21-1110 and Senate Bill 23-244 have created a framework that public organizations are now required to follow. While these bills may not be the perfect solution, compliance isn’t optional.

In 2021 the Colorado House passed HB 21-1110, titled Colorado Laws for Persons with Disabilities, and with it established a foundation for digital accessibility in Colorado’s public sector. The bill mandates that all state and local government entities, including organizations that receive public funds, ensure their websites and other digital platforms meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards.

The law also gives people with disabilities the right to take legal action if they encounter barriers online. Non-compliance carries real financial ($3,500 per violation) and legal risks making accessibility more than just a best practice.

In 2023, SB 23-244 further clarified and enhanced the requirements of HB 21-1110. It gave the Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) the authority to create and maintain specific rules and standards for digital accessibility, ensuring they align with the latest WCAG versions. This bill also extended the use of allocated funds for IT accessibility, providing DMOs and other entities with more resources to achieve compliance.

As of July 1st, 2025 the grace period for compliance has ended, so if your organization has not taken steps to improve accessibility here’s what you need to know:

• Strive for Progress, Not Perfection: Affected entities aren’t expected to make all their digital content accessible overnight. However, you must be able to demonstrate that your organization is making tangible progress toward accessibility. This includes having a clear plan and actively working to fix known issues.
• Provide Two Methods of Contact: To fully comply, you need to provide at least two straightforward ways for people with disabilities to request assistance or report an accessibility barrier. This proactive approach shows good faith and a commitment to serving all members of your community.
• Website and Content Audits: DMOs need to conduct thorough audits of their websites, social media, and other digital content to identify and fix accessibility barriers and ensure WCAG 2.1 AA compliance. 
• Procurement Requirements: When DMOs purchase or contract for new technology—such as booking software, event registration platforms, or third-party web services—they must ensure these products are also accessible.

• Leadville – Twin Lakes: We built leadvilletwinlakes.com with accessibility in mind from inception. We provided a comprehensive post-launch accessibility audit report, with a summary of issues uncovered and steps taken for remediation. The site also features a Digital Accessibility page with an accessibility statement, multiple contact methods to receive assistance, and a form allowing users to report issues.
• Chaffee County Visitors Bureau: colorfulcolorado.com predates the CO accessibility requirements, but bringing them into compliance was a breeze. We audited a targeted selection of site pages, ensured the site used proper color contrast while utilizing the brand colors already present, and overhauled the site menus to ensure they’re navigable with a keyboard for users with a screen reader or other assistive devices. 

In the end accessibility is not just about legal mandates or attracting visitors; it’s about building a reputation for inclusivity and service. While we’re not lawyers and can’t provide legal advice, we’ve already helped Colorado DMOs understand where their digital content falls short.

We can help you:

• Create a step-by-step plan for accessibility
• Conduct a full accessibility audit
• Perform all technical mitigation (fix any issues!)
• Coach you to create accessible content from the start
• Provide a final report and comprehensive documentation that will put stakeholders at ease

Ultimately, this isn’t just a matter of avoiding lawsuits; it’s a strategic investment that widens a DMO’s audience, enhances its brand image, and ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the beauty and adventure of Colorado. Ready to talk? Let’s connect!