Welcome to the Digital Accessibility (DA) Resource Hub
Welcome to the Digital Accessibility (DA) resource hub, your go-to destination for all things related to digital accessibility at UIC. Ensuring that our digital content, platforms, and tools are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities, is fundamental to our commitment to inclusivity and equality. This page provides comprehensive information, policies, and training resources to help instructors and staff create and maintain accessible digital environments.
As one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse universities in the country, UIC recognizes that our community has a diverse range of hearing, movement, sight and cognitive abilities. We are committed to ensuring that our IT resources, such as websites, web applications, teaching and learning technologies, digital content and other electronic platforms and related communications can be used by all members of our community and are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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Digital Accessibility at UIC
Need support? Contact your Accessibility Liaison
Discover who your Accessibility Liaisons are for your college and department. If you encounter any accessibility issues or have suggestions on how we can improve accessibility, please reach out to our Accessibility Liaisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions related to Digital Accessibility and upcoming Title II ADA changes.
Why are we updating our digital accessibility practices?
The U.S. Department of Justice recently made changes to title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act(link opens in new window), the requirement for governmental entities to comply with the ADA. These updates clarify our obligation to make all digital content—including, but not limited to, online course content and mobile applications—readily usable by and accessible to individuals with disabilities. The university has a deep history of leadership in accessibility, and we now have an opportunity to set the standard for inclusive digital practices.
What does “digital accessibility” mean? Why is it important?
Digital accessibility ensures that all online content, tools, and platforms are usable for our university community. This includes compliance with standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines(link opens in new window), ensuring content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users. Creating accessible digital content allows us to foster an inclusive environment for students, faculty, staff, and the broader community, including those with disabilities.
What’s the timeline for making content accessible?
The university has until April 2026 to reach compliance, according to the timeline set forth by the DOJ.
How does this impact instructors and course content?
Instructors must ensure that all course materials are accessible. This includes lecture slides, reading materials, videos, and assignments. Captioning videos, providing transcripts, and using accessible document formats are key components of compliance. There are some course materials that should be made accessible based upon individual need, rather than by default. A decision tree to help determine when course materials fall into this latter category will be coming soon.
Will this impact the use of third-party tools and content?
Yes. Third-party tools, apps, or content (such as videos, software, or websites) will need to be fully accessible.
None of my students submitted an accommodation request. Do I still need to make my course accessible?
Yes. Updates to ADA Title II requires governmental entities to make their digital content accessible. Remember: Access to accessible digital content is not an accommodation.
Is it sufficient to create an accessible alternative version of a document for those who need them?
No. The primary content must be accessible unless prevented by technical or legal constraints outside of the university’s control.
Who is responsible for ensuring digital accessibility?
All university staff, faculty, and instructors who produce or manage digital content are responsible for ensuring its accessibility.
What types of content need to be accessible?
Any digital content that the university creates, publishes, or shares broadly must be accessible. This includes:
- Webpages.
- PDFs, PowerPoints, and other documents.
- Online course materials.
- Videos.
- Images (with alt text).
- Apps and software platforms.
- Mass email communications.
- Social media content.
Do I need to make all my past digital content accessible, or just new content moving forward?
All digital content that is used to apply for, gain access to, or participate in services, programs, and activities of the university must be accessible. There are exceptions for content that falls outside of this use, such as archived content; however, such content would need to be made accessible upon request. Social media content posted prior to June 24, 2024, does not need to be made accessible.
How much time will it take me to make my materials accessible?
Creating accessible materials from scratch only takes little extra time once you know the basics. Remediating existing content varies — simple updates, like adding alt text or formatting a syllabus, might take just a few minutes, while more complex adjustments may take longer. The key is knowing the basics; with practice, accessibility becomes a natural part of your workflow.
Is access to accessible content an accommodation?
No, access to accessible media is not an accommodation. Accessible design supports the right to information for all, while accommodations address specific needs around how someone uses technology. Accessible media ensures that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can independently access information and resources without needing to request special arrangements. This is different from accommodations, which adjust how individuals interact with technology or environments, such as extended test times or providing assistive devices.
How does this affect student content?
Students must ensure that any digital content they create for university business is accessible. This might include work done in a university-affiliated job or internship. However, students are not required to make academic coursework or personal content accessible.
How will the university support me in making content accessible?
We will be putting resources in place and offering skill building opportunities to allow instructors and staff to feel comfortable creating accessible materials, recognizing inaccessible materials, and performing basic accessibility remediation. We are not asking them to become digital accessibility subject matter experts.
Where can I find resources and tools for accessibility?
An upcoming, dedicated website for digital accessibility will house resources such as training materials, guidelines, and accessibility checklists.
What training is available for faculty and staff?
We will offer regular workshops and training sessions on digital accessibility best practices, including creating accessible course materials, documents, and web content. Self-paced online training and resources will also be available.