Access for All: A Digital Platform Supporting Disability Services Transparency
In response to a federal mandate and long-term oversight requirements, this digital library fulfills a key DBHDS compliance obligation under the 2012 Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
The agreement—reached on January 26, 2012—was established to address the DOJ’s findings that the Commonwealth of Virginia failed to provide services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the U.S. Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision. As part of a multi-year compliance strategy, a federal court order issued in May 2019 required the creation of a centralized documentation system to demonstrate ongoing adherence to the Agreement’s provisions.
This purpose-built platform ensures long-term transparency and public access to critical compliance documentation, even after the termination of the consent decree. Key features include:
- Robust Document Management: A searchable, structured repository that enables stakeholders—including advocacy groups, families, and oversight bodies—to view and download relevant compliance materials.
- Secure Access for Internal Contributors: Integrated with VITA’s single sign-on (SSO) system, the platform enables authorized DBHDS personnel to efficiently upload, update, and manage documents and webpages within a secure, role-based environment.
- Workflow Compliance with State Standards: All site updates are fully integrated into Virginia’s ServiceNow-based ticketing and review process, ensuring adherence to state protocols for change management and website governance.
- Built on WordPress: Leveraging WordPress for flexibility and scalability, the platform supports rapid content updates while meeting accessibility and usability standards for public-sector websites.
Years2021-2023
PlatformsComprehensive
EngagementFull Stack Design & Development
