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Accessibility Standards & Compliance

Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ is committed to providing digital content and services that are accessible to a broad range of users. We strive to make our websites, applications, and digital materials usable by all, including individuals with disabilities, and we continually work to improve accessibility across our digital environment.

If you experience difficulty accessing content or functionality on a Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵwebsite or digital resource, we encourage you to let us know.  
 

Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ works to align its digital content with recognized accessibility standards and applicable federal requirements to support equitable access to information, programs, and services.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are internationally recognized standards for making digital content accessible to people with disabilities. WCAG provides technical guidance for designing and developing websites, applications, and digital materials that can be used with assistive technologies such as screen readers, captioning tools, and keyboard navigation.

WCAG is developed and maintained by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), an international standards organization responsible for many of the core technologies of the web.

Federal Accessibility Requirements

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that formally established digital accessibility requirements for state and local government entities, including public institutions of higher education. 
 
This rule clarifies that websites, mobile applications, and digital services provided by public entities must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The rule was issued to address barriers that can prevent equal access to public information and services when digital content is not accessible. 
 
Under this rule, public entities are required to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web content and mobile applications, subject to the rule’s scope, timelines, and exceptions.

What This Means for WCU

WCAG 2.1 Level AA represents a widely accepted baseline for digital accessibility and includes requirements related to text alternatives for images, keyboard navigation, color contrast, captions for multimedia, and other features that support accessibility. 
 
Digital accessibility at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵis an ongoing effort. The University is committed to providing accessible digital content and regularly reviews its websites and applications to identify and address accessibility barriers. As technologies and content evolve, accessibility improvements are made on a continuing basis across university‑managed platforms. 
 
Policy 86 – Web Accessibility
 
Policy 86 means that accessibility must be considered when creating content, building websites, or purchasing digital tools on behalf of Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Why Digital Accessibility Matters

Digital accessibility helps individuals with disabilities have equitable access to information, programs, and services offered online. Accessible digital content supports participation in education, employment, civic engagement, and community life. 
 
By aligning with WCAG standards, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ works to remove digital barriers and improve usability for all users—not only those with disabilities.

Learn More

For additional information about digital accessibility standards and federal requirements, visit: