{"id":30,"date":"2016-04-05T19:43:33","date_gmt":"2016-04-05T19:43:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/accessibility.ua.edu\/?page_id=30"},"modified":"2026-04-23T22:01:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T22:01:23","slug":"webaccessibilityinitiative","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/accessibility.ua.edu\/webaccessibilityinitiative\/","title":{"rendered":"Web Accessibility Initiative"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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Overview<\/h2>

The University of Alabama launched this accessibility initiative to provide our technology users, including those with disabilities, a functional and accessible technology experience with our web presence and our instructional technologies.<\/p>

To further this initiative, the UA administration and UA Web professionals are striving to meet World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, WCAG 2.1 A\/AA<\/a>. To begin this process, UA will audit existing Web materials to help Web teams determine appropriate timelines and resources needed to reach WCAG 2.1 A\/AA. This auditing and education process has begun and\u00a0more information will be shared, including availability of tools and other resources, to help UA Web teams meet these guidelines.<\/p>

Questions about this initiative should be sent to Dr. Rachel Thompson, Director of the Center for Instructional Technology, at accessibility@ua.edu<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>

Accessibility is Everyone’s Assignment: An Update on UA’s 2025-2026 Efforts<\/h2>

At The University of Alabama, digital accessibility isn’t a side project; it’s a shared responsibility and a core part of how we teach, work, and connect. Over the past year, UA has made significant progress in strengthening its Title II efforts, ensuring that digital content, systems, and tools are accessible to everyone in our campus community.<\/p>

Here’s a snapshot of what that work looks like and why it matters.<\/p>

Raising Awareness Across Campus<\/h2>

A major focus of UA’s efforts has been helping people understand what digital accessibility is and why it’s important. Through clear, consistent communication and a growing library of resources, faculty, staff, and students are learning where to get help and how to build accessibility into everyday work. The goal is simple but powerful: accessibility matters from the very beginning. When you create content, pick resources, or choose tools, keep it in mind.<\/p>

Outreach That Reaches People Where They Are<\/h2>

Accessibility conversations are happening all across campus. From college-wide faculty meetings to student leadership groups, teams have shared practical information and created space for questions and discussion. Since last spring, more than 100 meetings have reached over 2,300 attendees. The campus-wide promotion of Ally for the Blackboard learning management system and the rollout of the “Accessibility is Everyone’s Assignment” campaign have helped reinforce the message that accessibility benefits us all.<\/p>

Training That Builds Confidence and Skills<\/h2>

UA has paired outreach with direct training. Over 11,000 people have finished the new required digital accessibility compliance course, establishing a common foundation of knowledge throughout the institution. In addition, optional workshops cover accessible practices for Word documents, PowerPoint slides, PDFs, websites, images, color use, media, and course content. Weekly virtual office hours and drop-in “fixathons” give instructors and staff a place to get real-time help with their own materials.<\/p>

Strengthening Policy and Compliance<\/h2>

Behind the scenes, important structural work is underway. UA has updated its digital accessibility policy to align with recent Title II changes, including clear processes for archived content and undue burden considerations. A multi-year software inventory is helping the university prioritize accessibility reviews based on impact, usage, and renewal timelines. Accessibility criteria are also being added to contract approval workflows, making accessibility a standard checkpoint rather than an afterthought.<\/p>

Building Sustainable Support<\/h2>

To ensure this work continues and grows, UA is investing in people and partnerships. A Digital Accessibility Director role has been established within the Office of Information Technology, with plans to build a dedicated team. Strategic liaisons across colleges, divisions, and schools are helping champion accessibility locally, while web liaisons continue to oversee the accessibility of UA websites. UA is also benefiting from expert guidance, including consultation from nationally recognized Title II experts.<\/p>

Collaboration at Every Level<\/h2>

Accessibility is truly a campus-wide effort. Executive and planning committees bring together representatives from Academic Affairs, Student Life, Athletics, Libraries, Finance, Legal Counsel, IT, and more. This collaborative approach helps ensure that accessibility considerations are woven into decision-making across the university.<\/p>

Together, these efforts reflect UA’s commitment to creating an inclusive digital environment—one where everyone can fully participate, learn, and succeed. Accessibility is an ongoing journey, and UA is proud of the progress made and excited about what’s ahead.<\/p>

2024-2025 Update<\/h2>

Hello from your Technology Accessibility colleagues in The University of Alabama Office of Information Technology. From providing education opportunities to reviewing new digital resources, we have been busy fulfilling, updating, and adapting our services to meet campus needs and the changing landscape of higher education technology accessibility. Some event highlights from the past year include:<\/p>