When agencies adopt a shared design system, they do not just make one site better. They create repeatable components for forms, alerts, navigation, and common templates that can be reused across programs. Fix the component once, then apply it everywhere it is used. The Role of the CMS in Maintaining Standards A Content Management System (CMS) is the engine that ensures accessibility remains consistent over time. USWDS is platform- agnostic, meaning it can be integrated into both Drupal and WordPress environments, which is a critical advantage for agencies managing a diverse portfolio of sites. Drupal is particularly well-suited for high-complexity government sites. Its robust architecture allows for a component-based approach, where USWDS patterns are baked directly into the theme. This ensures that even as different departments publish thousands of pages, the underlying structure remains compliant. In Drupal, accessibility is managed at the configuration level, meaning the system can be set up to prevent editors from accidentally breaking the layout or skipping necessary accessibility tags. WordPress offers similar consistency through purpose-built themes and block patterns. By providing editors with a library of pre-approved USWDS blocks, agencies can limit ad hoc page building. This strategy treats the design system as the single source of truth, ensuring that every new
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and form patterns can produce the same defect across hundreds of pages. Fixing the pattern removes defects at scale. Then, add checks to how work is delivered. Accessibility belongs in definition of done, not as a last- minute scramble before launch. Automated testing, linting, and periodic manual reviews help teams avoid reintroducing old problems. Do not overlook content. Many failures are not in code. They are in missing alternative text, unclear link labels, poorly structured headings, or uncaptioned video. Short, role-based training for content editors reduces repeat issues. Consider Accessibility Widgets Carefully
Build Accessibility into the Full Lifecycle Most accessibility efforts stall because they start with a long list of defects and no way to prevent the same issues from returning. Sustainable compliance comes from repeatable governance and steady execution. Start by prioritizing based on service impact. Combine automated scans with manual testing, then focus on the top service journeys that residents use most. High-volume pages, forms, and time-sensitive updates usually deliver the biggest return. Next, remediate shared components first. Templates, themes, headers, footers, search,
update follows the same accessibility rules as the
Florida Technology Magazine– 2026 Legislative Edition – 17
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