Digital Accessibility at UConn
UConn is committed to providing an accessible digital environment for everyone. As part of this commitment, Information Technology Services (ITS) collaborates with University departments to design, develop, and procure information and communication technology that is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This website serves as a central resource to help support the University community in creating an accessible digital environment.
Updated ADA Title II
The University must meet the requirements of the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act by April 26, 2027.
This means the University’s digital content – websites, mobile apps, and social media – must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA technical standard. New content created on or after April 24, 2024, must be accessible at launch. Older digital content still in use by the University must be accessible. If older content is not in use but needs to remain on websites, it must be placed on a page or a section of a page with the word “Archive” so end users know the content may not be accessible. The site for UConn’s Office of the President provides an example of older digital content properly marked as “archived.”
Digital Accessibility Policy
The University of Connecticut is dedicated to ensuring equal access to its educational and administrative services, programs, and activities in compliance with federal and state law. Delivering accessible information, communication, content, and technology for individuals with disabilities is a shared responsibility of all University Workforce Members, students, and those who manage externally facing University websites and applications.
Policy Procedures
Procedures outline standards and guidelines to ensure digital information, communication, content, and technology is designed, developed, and procured to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Roles & Responsibilities
We all have a role and responsibility to ensure the content we create and share is accessible to everyone.
- Content Creators: Individuals who are creating digital content regardless of format.
- Website Managers: Individuals who manage or edit content for a website.
- Faculty Members: Individuals who teach others in a field of their specialty.
- Potential Buyers: Individuals who purchase digital software or content from UConn.
Training & Support
We offer training to help employees and organizations use accessible technology effectively. Self-paced and instructor-led options are available, and those involved in web development, content management, or procurement are encouraged to participate.
Instructor-Led Workshops
Learn accessibility through guided workshops with an expert instructor.
Self-Paced Learning
We offer a collection of self-paced training modules to help you learn how to create accessible digital content. In addition to the ten methods outlined below to make your content accessible, you can refer to more detailed instructions using materials provided for each topic. Also, familiarize yourself with the recent updates to ADA Title II which outline the technical standards we must follow to ensure accessibility.
Top Ten Accessibility Standards
This is not a comprehensive list of the ADA requirements, but a good place to start. By implementing these tips, you’ll make your content more inclusive and usable for a broader audience.
01. Color Contrast
Use sufficient color contrast for low vision and color blindness for a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 between the text and background color. Add labels or icons in addition to color to convey information.
02. Alternative Text
Add descriptive alt text to images so screen readers can convey their purpose to visually impaired users. Keep the descriptions concise but informative, focusing on the essential information conveyed by the image.
03. Headings & Structures
Organize content with clear headings, subheadings, and lists to help users navigate easily. Properly structured HTML tags (e.g., <h1>, <h2>, <ul>) improve compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers.
04. Reading & Navigation Order
Ensure screen reader users and people reliant on tabbing can read or navigate files and websites. Be mindful of the order elements are added in Microsoft PowerPoint as they can cause elements to be read out of sequence.
05. True Tables with Headers
True tables with proper headers organize information better and enhances accessibility for people using assistive technologies like screen readers.
06. Descriptive Hyperlinks
Describe hyperlinks within the display text and the alternative text for links to improve accessibility, usability, and clarity of the link’s purpose and destination. An example of a descriptive hyperlink is IT Accessibility at UConn.
07. Captions & Transcripts
Offer transcripts for audio content and captions for videos to accommodate users who are deaf, hard of hearing, or prefer to consume content in text form. Ensure captions are accurate and synchronized with the audio.
08. Document Title
The Document Title should be added to all documents and written using plain language with no acronyms so it is easily read by screen readers instead of the file name.
09. Clear & Simple Language
Write in plain language to ensure content is understandable for people with varying literacy levels. Avoid jargon, technical terms, or complex sentences unless necessary, and provide explanations when they are used.
10. Accessibility Checkers & Tools
Use accessibility checkers to help identify potential barriers to accessibility, such as missing alt text for images, improperly structured headings, poor color contrast, and accessibility issues. Microsoft Office Accessibility Checker is one of many great examples.
IT Accessibility Services
The IT Accessibility team can provide guidance and assistance to the University to ensure compliance with the ADA Title II regulations and other relevant federal and state laws pertaining to IT accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Please contact us if you need assistance. We offer the following services:
1. Website Review
2. Document Remediation
3. Website Strategy
4. Procurement Consultation
