Embedded Files
Training April 2026 - September 2026
Digital Accessibility Plan for VCE Volunteers
Digital Accessibility Plan for VCE Volunteers
Virginia Cooperative Extension is part of a federally funded system through USDA and the Land Grant university structure. The federal government doesn’t write a check for each individual program, but federal funding supports the organization as a whole. Because of this federal funding, we are legally required to make sure digital materials are accessible to people with disabilities. That includes digital content created by volunteers. Digital accessibility isn’t a separate requirement. It’s how existing accessibility rules apply to websites and online content.
Volunteers who create, share, or manage digital content—such as webpages, social media posts, documents, and registration links—must ensure that all public content is accessible. The goal is to make sure this content meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 standards as well as state and federal requirements. Volunteers are responsible for the content they create or share on behalf of the organization, while VCE maintains overall responsibility for compliance and oversight.
Any content provided by partners or shared for program use must also meet accessibility standards. Accessibility is not optional for public programs. If content is required for someone to participate, it must be accessible, and these requirements apply no matter who creates or shares the content.
Learn how to make materials compliant
Learn how to make materials compliant
Digital accessibility is part of VCE’s commitment to equal opportunity, civil rights compliance, and community engagement. Small changes, such as using clear headings, adding alternative text to images, creating readable documents, and using accessible color contrast, can make a significant difference for the people we serve.
Treat this as an opportunity to rethink your entire marketing process and choose methods that are not only easier to use, but also more accessible from the start.
In this section we will cover specific strategies for making your marketing efforts compliant.
This section provides additional digital accessibility resources, tools, and guidance to support volunteers in creating accessible content and programs. Resources may include checklists, training materials, how-to guides, templates, and links to accessibility standards and best practices. Volunteers can also find information on where to ask questions, request assistance, or report accessibility concerns.
Introductory video that covers "what is digital accessibility?" and marketing.
Introductory video that covers "what is digital accessibility?" and marketing.
Concepts mentioned in this video:
Concepts mentioned in this video:
Running an accessibility check in Word (short video)
Signing up for a free Canva account
Restrict editing on your PowerPoint file to prevent editing
Or restrict editing on your Word document (short video)
Alternatives for sending an email about your program with a PDF attached
Using Grackle as an accessibility checker for Google Docs
The VCE .ppt template in the Brand Center
Video corrections:
Video corrections:
At 7:05 I erroneously refer to the April 24, 2026 date as being connected to the ADA Title II rule. The April 24, 2026 date is connected to VA State law (IT Access Act), which similarly requires adoption of the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. The federal enforcement of ADA Title II Part H was pushed back to April 26, 2027.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Accessibility 101 Workshop
Accessibility 101 Workshop
TBD September 2026
Beginning in September 2026, VCE will launch an “Accessibility 101” workshop to help volunteers build a foundational understanding of digital accessibility and how it applies to everyday volunteer responsibilities. In this workshop we will review practical tools, accessibility checklists, and guidance for creating accessible program materials, registration content, public-facing documents, and online communications.
The session will also explain how accessibility resources and expectations will be integrated into volunteer onboarding and program planning processes to help ensure accessibility is considered from the beginning of program development. A recorded version of the workshop will also be available for future reference.
Marketing Skills Workshop
Marketing Skills Workshop
TBD September 2026
Recordings
Recordings
Recorded on April 28, 2026
Passcode: $N+8z7L&
This recording of the Digital Accessibility Briefing for VCE Volunteers provides an overview of accessibility expectations and requirements for volunteers who create or share digital content connected to VCE programs. The session explains what qualifies as a VCE program and outlines accessibility responsibilities related to registration forms and links, PDFs and other documents, social media posts, and external websites used to support or deliver programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
As volunteers create and share digital content such as websites, documents, social media posts, videos, and newsletters, it is important to understand the basics of accessibility and inclusive communication. These FAQs are designed to provide simple, practical guidance to help volunteers create more accessible digital content and better serve all members of the community.
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