Understanding Accessibility Compliance

Digital accessibility ensures that all electronic and digital content is usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. It involves designing websites, applications, and digital documents to be accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

What is Digital Accessibility?

Digital accessibility is guided by compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508, which mandate that digital content must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes ensuring that websites and electronic resources are navigable and usable by individuals using assistive technologies.

What Compliance Looks Like

Compliance requires a commitment to creating and maintaining accessible digital content. As a member of our community, you are responsible for ensuring your content meets accessibility standards. Here's how you can fulfill this responsibility:

  • Create User-Friendly Content: Ensure that all digital content you produce is accessible. This includes documents, emails, content for an academic course or a post for your social media channel. 

  • Stay Informed: Engage with annual training sessions and utilize resources available through the Accessibility Network to keep updated on best practices and compliance requirements.

  • Leverage Available Resources: Our Accessibility Network offers a wealth of resources and guidance to help you understand and implement accessibility best practices. Whether you're looking for software-specific advice or general information, we're here to support your efforts in creating accessible content.

  • Plan Proactively: Incorporate accessibility into your project planning from the start. This proactive approach will help you avoid potential compliance issues and ensure that all users have a positive experience.

By embracing digital accessibility, you contribute to a more welcoming environment that benefits everyone. For more information, explore the resources available on our Accessibility Network website, or contact our support team for assistance.

Physical vs. Digital Accessibility

While both physical and digital accessibility are crucial for ensuring equal access and opportunities, this site is dedicated specifically to digital accessibility.

  • Digital Accessibility focuses on making digital content and platforms usable by individuals with disabilities. This involves designing websites, applications, and electronic documents to be navigable and functional for users with various impairments, including those who rely on assistive technologies. Our resources and guidance are aimed at helping you create accessible digital content.
  • Physical Accessibility refers to the design and construction of spaces and environments that can be navigated and used by individuals with physical disabilities. Although this site concentrates on digital aspects, there are other resources available to assist with physical accessibility needs. 

For support with physical barriers, employees can reach out to Human Resources while students can reach out to Student Accessibility Resources