The City of Palm Coast has equipped their website with a new widget designed to assist disabled users with navigating the interface, according to an announcement on Friday. The feature, referred to by the city as its ADA (Americans with Disabilities) Widget, aims to make the site easier to use for those with conditions and disabilities that might make online browsing harder than it is for most.
Among the features being rolled out in the widget are easy-to-read fonts, modified text spacing, increased cursor size, enhanced contrast, a simplified interface, and descriptive text for images when they’re hovered over with the cursor.
“This new ADA functionality is a significant milestone in ensuring everyone has equal access to essential City information,” said Palm Coast I.T. Director Doug Akins. “I want to thank our I.T. Department for their dedication and hard work in improving services for all residents. Their innovative solutions and relentless efforts are creating meaningful changes that truly benefit our community.”
The city is touting the new features as part of a larger initiative to make online services available to residents regardless of disability or technological savvy. By introducing an ADA widget, a city spokesperson claims that the website creates ‘equal access to all residents and visitors, regardless of ability’.
Those with additional questions or who need disability accommodations beyond just what’s available on the website are asked to reach out to Virginia Smith by calling (386) 986-2570 or emailing vsmith@palmcoastgov.com.
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
