The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is in the final stretch to meet new federal requirements for making digital content accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
The rule, issued by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II, sets standards for websites, mobile apps and other digital services used by state and local governments, including public universities.
This means the university’s websites, mobile apps and digital content must meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards so that people who rely on assistive technologies, such as screen readers, keyboard navigation or captions, can use them without barriers.
The updates, which take effect April 24, affect many types of content, including:
- university websites;
- course materials and learning management systems;
- conventional electronic documents, such as word processing, presentation, PDF and spreadsheet files;
- videos and multimedia;
- mobile apps;
- social media posts; and
- content from third-party vendors.
Why this matters to you
Faculty and staff create and share digital content every day. The new requirements mean accessibility should be part of the process whenever content is developed, purchased, procured or published.
Meeting the requirements ensures equal access for all users and keeps the university in compliance with federal law.
Faculty
- Make course materials accessible for all students
- Add captions to videos used in courses
- Use accessible formats for documents and presentations
Web editors and communicators
- Add alt text to images on websites
- Avoid posting PDFs and other online documents that aren’t accessible
- Use the accessibility tools in the university’s content management system
Staff who create documents
- Use built-in accessibility checkers in Word, PowerPoint and Acrobat
- Develop or remediate documents using accessible headings and styles
- Make accessible shared conventional electronic documents, such as word processing, presentation, PDF and spreadsheet files;
IT staff and developers
- Build web applications and digital services that meet accessibility standards
- Include accessibility testing in development processes
The university is planning informational forums about the new rules. Details on the forums will be announced.
For more information
The university’s preparation efforts have been guided by an ADA Title II Digital Accessibility Committee. The universitywide group has coordinated planning, reviewed university systems and helped develop guidance for units working to meet the new federal requirements.
Current members include Amy Barry, Aaron Coleman, Ryan Dee, Rick Haugerud, Deb Huryta, Andy Jewell, Julia Remsik Larsen, Thomas Neumann, Ashley Robinson, Melissa Sinner, Remy Sydik, Robert Thompson, Barb Woodhead and Shanon Wright. Former members include Bob Crisler and Jennifer PeeksMease.
The committee’s work includes guidance, tools and training. Learn more at https://ada.unl.edu.
