Digital Accessibility at UNMC

We're committed to an inclusive experience.

The Department of Justice issued accessibility guidance as a rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act: "Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities."  Title II of the ADA ensures that anyone with a disability has equal access to state and local government services such as public education, and it covers the accessibility of web content and digital applications.

UNMC must comply with this new rule by April 24, 2027. Preparing for compliance requires improving the accessibility of existing digital content and providing employees with the training, tools, and support needed to create and maintain accessible content from the start. Accessibility is an ongoing responsibility that extends beyond the compliance deadline. 

Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility at UNMC. By integrating accessibility into our everyday work, we can reduce barriers and create more equitable, inclusive digital experiences for everyone.

What's In the Title II Update?

This rule clarifies the ADA's mandate for effective communication by establishing a clear accessibility standard for digital content and tools. This standard requires compliance with  Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA  with limited exceptions.

Included in the requirements are: 

  • Public-facing websites. 
  • Course materials and academic content, including content within Canvas and other learning platforms. 
  • Digital documents, communications and forms, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, LaTeX, PDF and other digital content-creation platforms. 
  • Mobile applications.
  • Social media content.
  • Videos, podcasts and multimedia, including captions and other accessible alternatives. 
  • Images, graphics, charts and other visual content.
  • Employment and Human Resources documents. 
  • Third-party digital tools and platforms provided through contractual, licensing or other arrangements.  

Why Is This Important?

Previously, there were no explicit standards for digital accessibility under Title II, and there was a lack of clarity about the scope of digital content and services covered by Title II. In practice, this led to an accommodation over accessibility approach that did not provide equal access. Alternatives and workarounds for inaccessible technology are no longer considered sufficient. 

What Does This Mean for Us?

All UNMC employees are responsible for ensuring that the digital content they create, share, publish or provide is accessible. This includes websites, course materials, documents, emails, forms, images, videos, social media and content on Canvas and other digital platforms. 

This responsibility also extends to third-party digital content and technologies used or provided by UNMC, including publisher materials, learning applications, software and other licensed or contracted digital tools. 

What Happens If We Don't?

When digital content is inaccessible, people with disabilities may be unable to fully access UNMC programs, services, information, or learning experiences. Accessibility barriers may also lead to complaints, required corrective action, and increased remediation efforts for the university. 

Failure to meet applicable accessibility requirements can also expose UNMC to federal enforcement or legal action. Addressing accessibility from the start helps reduce barriers, supports equitable access, and minimizes the need for costly, time-intensive remediation later. 

What Are We Doing?

UNMC is taking an institution-wide approach to digital accessibility, led by the Executive Director of Accessibility and Online Learning in collaboration with leadership, colleges and units, accessibility leads, Academic Affairs, NU Information Technology, Strategic Communications, and other partners across the university. 

Our accessibility work is organized across two primary fronts: 

Academics, Courses & Digital Content 

Accessibility efforts focus on courses, instructional materials, documents, communications, multimedia, learning technologies, and other digital content used across UNMC. This work is supported by the Interim Executive Director of Accessibility and Online Learning, UNMC leadership, Academic Affairs, college and institutional accessibility leads, and instructional design and technology support teams. 

Websites & Web Applications 

Accessibility efforts for UNMC websites and web applications are supported by Information Technology DevOps and the Department of Strategic Communications, in coordination with UNMC's broader digital accessibility initiatives. 

Together, these efforts include accessibility guidance, training, tools, monitoring, local support and resources that help employees integrate accessibility into their everyday work. 

What Can You Do?

Everyone at UNMC has a role in digital accessibility. Build accessibility into your everyday work by creating and sharing accessible content from the start, using accessibility tools to identify barriers, and addressing accessibility issues in existing content. 

UNMC provides resources, training, tools, and support to help you put accessibility into practice.