Web Accessibilty Guidelines (WCAG)

What Is Digital Accessibility?

Digital accessibility means designing and sharing content so that it can be used by everyone, regardless of disability, device, environment, or learning need. It ensures that digital materials are "born accessible" rather than modified later as an afterthought.

Who does this support?

Accessibility isn’t just for a small group of students; it supports many types of learners, including those who:

• Use Assistive Technology: Such as screen readers, switch access, or voice-to-text.

• Have Sensory Differences: Including low vision, color blindness, or being deaf/hard of hearing.

• Navigate Neurodiversity: Students with cognitive, attention, or learning differences (like dyslexia or ADHD).

• Face Situational Barriers: Learners using small mobile screens, working in noisy shared spaces, or dealing with low-bandwidth internet.

Key Takeaway: Accessibility supports all users, not just those with documented disabilities.

Why It Matters: Inclusion & The Law

Creating accessible content is essential to ensuring every learner has equal access to the resources they need to succeed. When materials aren't accessible, we unintentionally create barriers to education.

The Legal Standard (ADA Title II)

The U.S. Department of Justice has clarified that under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public schools and universities must ensure their digital materials are accessible. This includes:

• Websites & Portals

• Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Canvas or Google Classroom.

Digital Instructional Content (Slide decks, PDFs, videos).