Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library: Guides: Accessibility at UCC: Digital Accessibility

Watch this 20-video series by the Department of Education (DOE) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network to better understand web accessibility.

Federal & State Resources

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
From answers to common questions to official legal documents, ADA.gov has everything you need to understand your rights and responsibilities under the ADA.
Government-wide Section 508 Assessment
On January 18, 2017, the U.S. Access Board published a final rule updating accessibility requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Communications Act.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Government-wide Policy (OGP) is tasked under this law to provide technical assistance to help Federal agencies comply with these requirements, and ensure that covered ICT is accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities.
Oregon.gov: Website Accessibility
Oregon is committed to providing all customers, including individuals with disabilities, equal access to web-based information and services. We are continually engaged in the process of improving the web experience for all stakeholders.

Why is Online Accessibility Important?

IT'S RIGHT

increases usability for all people
attracts students to the college

IT'S SMART

increases the market
- a large proportion of the US population (around 19%) has at least one disability
creates a welcoming environment
supports success and retention
enhances branding

IT'S LEGALLY REQUIRED

inaccessible resources put the college at risk of litigation
equal access is required under the ADA and Sections 504 and 508 of the Workforce Rehabilitation Act
Department of Justice considers the web to be a "place of public accommodation" that everyone should have equal access to

The internet is one of the best things that has ever happened to people with disabilities and has the potential to revolutionize universal access to information, but it can also place obstacles that destroy that potential and leave people with disabilities discouraged and dependent on others.

References

Dresselhaus, A. (2013, December 18). Accessible Electronic Resources for All [PowerPoint slides]. http://downloads.alcts.ala.org/ce/20131218_Accessible_Electronic_Resources_for_All.pdf

Universal Design Center at California State University Network. (n.d.). Accessibility (A11y) & Universal Design. [PowerPoint slides]. https://www.csun.edu/sites/default/files/accessibility-ud-slides.pdf

Web Accessibility in Mind. (n.d.). [Introduction to Web Accessibility]. https://webaim.org/intro/