14.xx Digital Accessibility

Review Deadline

Monday, March 30, 2026

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the University of Northern Iowa’s digital content, websites, software, and technology services are accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related regulatory requirements. This policy supports the university’s mission by promoting equitable access to digital information and technology for students, employees, and members of the public.

This policy serves as the IT companion to 13.15 Campus Accessibility and Accommodations of Disabilities. It does not replace accommodation processes managed through Student Accessibility Services (SAS) or Human Resource Services (HRS).

Scope

This policy applies to the university’s digital content, websites, software, online services, instructional materials, multimedia, and third-party technology used in official university functions. It applies to all university employees, units, students, contractors, and vendors who create, manage, select, or deploy digital resources on behalf of the university.

Policy Statement

The university will ensure that its digital content, systems, and technology services are accessible and usable for individuals with disabilities. The university will work toward conformance with widely recognized accessibility standards and legal requirements. When accessibility barriers are identified, reasonable efforts will be made to remediate them in a timely manner. Accommodations remain available for individuals who encounter accessibility barriers while remediation is in progress.

Standards

The technical standards for measuring compliance with this policy will be maintained in the Digital Accessibility section of the IT education portal.These standards will reflect current legal and regulatory requirements as well as widely accepted accessibility practices for web content, instructional materials, video and audio, documents, and software applications.

All digital resources created, procured, or maintained by the university are expected to align with these standards. Updates to the Digital Accessibility Standards will be reviewed through the university’s digital accessibility governance process.

Roles and Responsibilities

Office of Information Technology (OIT)

• Coordinate implementation of this policy.
• Maintain accessibility standards and supporting guidance in collaboration with the campus governance structure.
• Provide tools, training, consultation, and assessments.
• Support units in the remediation of accessibility issues.
• Coordinate the exception review process.

Procurement Responsibilities

• Ensure accessibility review is included in the acquisition of digital products and services.
• Require vendors to provide accessibility documentation.
• Consult with OIT on accessibility risk prior to final selection.

Content Owners: University Employees, Units, Students, Contractors and Vendors

• Create and maintain digital content that follows university accessibility standards.
• Remediate accessibility issues identified through assessments or reports.
• Engage with training and resources appropriate to their roles.
• Collaborate with OIT and HRS when accommodations require technical support or alternative access.
• Units will participate in the governance process as appropriate to their role in managing digital resources.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and Human Resource Services (HRS)

• Manage accommodation processes consistent with Policy 13.15.
• Collaborate with OIT when accommodations relate to digital systems or content.

Governance

Digital accessibility at the University of Northern Iowa is overseen through a campus governance structure that includes academic, administrative, student support, and information technology partners. A cross-functional Digital Accessibility Steering Committee provides guidance, reviews standards, recommends priorities, and advises on exception requests and implementation plans.

The Office of Information Technology facilitates this work, but responsibility for maintaining accessible digital resources is shared across the university. Updates to accessibility standards or processes will be reviewed through this governance structure to ensure alignment with institutional needs and legal requirements.

Exceptions

Exceptions may be granted when accessibility requirements cannot be met due to limitations that would create an undue burden, fundamental alterationor when an accessible version of the content or technology does not exist. Any exception must be reviewed and documented in coordination governance and the appropriate university offices.

Training and Support

The university will provide training, consultation, and resources to help campus partners create and maintain accessible digital content. Training will be available for faculty, staff, students, and units that support or develop digital materials.

Assessment and Remediation

The Office of Information Technology will conduct periodic assessments of university websites, instructional systems, and other digital resources. Units are responsible for working toward timely remediation of issues identified. OIT will support prioritization based on impact, legal risk, and feasibility.

Enforcement

The Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC) receives and reviews reports of accessibility concerns. Concerns related to digital accessibility may be reported to OCRC following the process described in Policy 13.15. Violations of this policy may be referred to the appropriate administrative unit for follow-up. Remediation actions may include removal or replacement of inaccessible content when necessary to maintain compliance or reduce risk.