Our new policy helps ensure that people with disabilities, can access digital content without barriers. For people with disabilities, inaccessibility can be far worse than an inconvenience. It can mean:
- Isolation
- Segregation
- Discrimination
- Trauma
- Exclusion
- Ableism
The new policy is not only a legal requirement but also aligns with the University's commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
The Announcement
On April 17, 2025 Bernard Gulachek, Vice President and Chief Information Officer and Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, Vice President for Equity and Diversity sent the following email to Faculty and Staff:
We write to inform you about a new University policy entitled Accessibility of Digital Content and Information Technology. This policy implements new legal requirements from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Policy and legal requirement
Individuals responsible for University digital content–including websites, web-based content, Canvas course materials, and mobile apps–must ensure that their digital content meets the accessibility standard set by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Level 2.1 AA.
Required implementation date
The new policy will take effect on April 24, 2026, which is the compliance date set by federal law. The policy has now been published in the University Policy Library along with a statement that it will not take effect or be enforced until April 24, 2026.
Individuals responsible for University digital content should begin implementing the policy's accessibility standard now to ensure that their digital content is accessible by the April 24, 2026 policy and legal implementation date.
Resources to support you
- This Digital Accessibility Resource Guide provides step-by-step guidance on how to create accessible digital content.
- The University's Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA) provides education, support, guidance, and accessibility checking software.
- Academic Digital Accessibility Liaisons and Web and Email Digital Accessibility Coordinators are available within each academic and support unit to provide local support.
Thank you for helping to foster an accessible digital environment at the University where all can engage fully.
Contact
The policy contact is Khaled Musa ([email protected]).