BEDFORD — Lawrence County is taking proactive steps to overhaul its online presence to ensure full accessibility for all residents. The commissioners entered into an agreement with government software vendor CivicPlus to meet upcoming federal standards.
Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer informed the Lawrence County Commissioners on Tuesday morning that local governments face an April 26, 2028, deadline to bring county websites into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Under updated federal regulations established under Title II of the ADA, state and local government digital services, web content, and online documents must meet mandatory technical accessibility standards to ensure people with disabilities can access essential public information and services.
The planned transition to CivicPlus Government Software will modernize the county’s digital infrastructure while expanding online services for local citizens.
“The system will become more user-friendly, and forms can be downloaded and filled out online to be printed or copied and emailed to government agencies,” Luchauer explained to the commissioners.
Beyond accessibility features—such as compatibility with screen readers, improved text contrast, and keyboard navigation—the upgrade aims to streamline routine administrative tasks by allowing residents to access, complete, and submit official documents remotely.
Commissioners approved and signed the agreement before the end of August to lock in preferred pricing incentives offered by the vendor.
While signing the contract secures the favorable rates, county officials noted that specific funding streams to cover the service costs will be finalized during the upcoming county budget planning process.
