ADA Compliance

KGIS Accessibility Statement

Introduction

Knoxville, Knox County, Knoxville Utilities Board Geographic Information Systems (KGIS) is committed to providing accessible digital services for all users, including individuals with disabilities. KGIS continually works to improve the accessibility of its websites, GIS applications, interactive maps, and digital documents in accordance with federal accessibility regulations, industry standards, and recognized GIS best practices.

Scope of This Statement

This accessibility statement applies to:

  • The KGIS website (www.kgis.org)
  • Public‑facing GIS applications and map viewers
  • Interactive web maps and dashboards
  • Digital documents and PDFs produced or published by KGIS

Compliance Status

KGIS aims to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, as required by the U.S. Department of Justice’s 2024 Final Rule on Web and Mobile Application Accessibility for state and local governments.

KGIS is actively working toward full conformance. Some content may not yet fully meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA due to technical limitations, legacy systems, or third‑party platform constraints.

Legal and Standards Compliance

KGIS strives to meet the following accessibility laws and standards:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II
  • U.S. Department of Justice Final Rule on Web and Mobile Application Accessibility (March 2024)
  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA
The DOJ rule establishes WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the technical standard for state and local government web content and mobile applications.

Accessibility in GIS Platforms and Applications

ESRI ArcGIS

KGIS develops and maintains GIS applications using ESRI ArcGIS technologies and follows ESRI’s accessibility guidance, including:

  • Digital Accessibility in GIS
  • Designing Accessible GIS Applications
  • Accessibility in ArcGIS App Builders
  • Designing Accessible Sites
  • ESRI documentation for accessible PDFs created in ArcGIS Pro
ESRI guidance informs KGIS decisions related to navigation, color usage, basemap selection, map symbology, and document output.

VertiGIS Studio Web

KGIS also uses VertiGIS Studio Web for certain public‑facing GIS applications. According to VertiGIS documentation, the platform is designed to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA and includes features such as:

  • Screen reader compatibility
  • Full keyboard navigation
  • Skip links
  • Accessible UI components following WAI‑ARIA guidance
While VertiGIS provides accessibility‑supporting functionality, KGIS is responsible for configuring applications, map content, workflows, and visual design to support accessibility and ADA compliance.

Color, Contrast, and Visual Design

KGIS works to ensure visually accessible map and application design by:

  • Using ESRI color‑blind‑friendly color ramps
  • Applying ColorBrewer palettes when appropriate
  • Following ESRI basemap accessibility considerations
  • Testing color contrast using tools such as:
    • WebAIM Color Contrast Checker
    • Accessible Web Color Contrast Checker
practices help ensure sufficient contrast and reduce reliance on color alone to convey information.

Accessible Documents and PDFs

KGIS makes reasonable efforts to ensure that digital documents—including PDFs generated from ArcGIS Pro—are accessible whenever possible. Document accessibility practices are informed by:

  • ESRI tutorials on creating accessible PDFs
  • ESRI Community guidance (Making an Accessible PDF)
  • Adobe PDF accessibility standards
  • The Accessibility Guide for Static Digital Maps (Minnesota)
When feasible, accessible documents include:
  • Searchable text
  • Logical reading order
  • Proper headings
  • Alternative text for images and maps

Testing and Evaluation Methods

KGIS evaluates accessibility using a combination of:

  • Manual testing with assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, keyboard‑only navigation)
  • Automated scanning tools (e.g., WAVE, Axe)
  • Color contrast testing
  • Review of platform‑specific accessibility documentation
  • Periodic audits of GIS applications and documents
  • User feedback and issue tracking

Known Limitations

KGIS is aware of the following potential accessibility limitations:

  • Some legacy GIS applications may not fully support keyboard navigation.
  • Older PDF map exports may not meet current accessibility standards.
  • Certain map layers may rely on color to convey meaning.
  • Some third‑party tools or embedded content may not fully conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
KGIS is working to address these issues as part of ongoing accessibility improvements.

Third‑Party Content

KGIS uses third‑party platforms such as ESRI ArcGIS and VertiGIS Studio Web. While these platforms provide accessibility‑supporting features, KGIS cannot guarantee full accessibility of third‑party content or tools.


Mobile Accessibility

KGIS evaluates the accessibility of mobile‑friendly web applications and map viewers to support compatibility with mobile assistive technologies, consistent with DOJ requirements for mobile accessibility.


Ongoing Commitment

Accessibility is an ongoing process. KGIS continues to evaluate and improve its digital content and GIS applications as standards, technology, and guidance evolve. Improvements are prioritized based on user feedback, platform capabilities, and regulatory requirements.


Feedback and Assistance

KGIS welcomes feedback regarding the accessibility of www.kgis.org and its GIS applications. If you encounter an accessibility barrier or need information in an alternative format, please contact:

Chris Halcomb, GISP
Geographic Information Officer (GIO)
Executive Director - KGIS

606 Main Street, Suite 150
Knoxville, TN 37920
Phone: (865) 215‑2641
Email: kgis@kgis.org
Website: https://www.kgis.org
Please include the web address or application name and a brief description of the issue. KGIS will make every reasonable effort to respond promptly.

Review Information
Last reviewed: April 2026  --  Next scheduled review: June 2026