Digital Accessibility at the University of Northern Iowa

Updated regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require public universities to ensure that their websites, digital tools, and online content are accessible to people with disabilities.

The University of Northern Iowa is aligning its digital content with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, the accessibility standard referenced in federal regulations.

The federal compliance deadline is April 26, 2027. The university is actively working toward meeting these requirements. Accessibility work is underway, with priority given to content that is actively used for instruction, communication, or access to university programs and services. Because new digital content is created every day, accessibility is an ongoing responsibility across the university.

UNI’s Digital Accessibility initiative provides guidance and consultation to help departments build accessibility into their digital content and services.

Digital Accessibility at the University of Northern Iowa
Two students looking at a laptop

Areas of Focus

  • Websites and Web Applications
  • Multimedia
  • Digital Documents
  • Software and Applications
  • Course and Instructional Content
  • Digital Signage
  • Social Media

Your Role In Digital Accessibility

Accessibility is a shared responsibility. Every unit at UNI must make sure its web content and mobile applications meet the minimum standards set by ADA Title II and UNI’s digital accessibility guidelines.

Accessibility is a shared responsibility across the university.

Most digital content at UNI is created and maintained by departments, faculty, and staff. When creating or managing digital content, everyone plays a role in ensuring that information and services are accessible to all users.

You do not need to be an accessibility expert. Focus on a few core practices when creating or publishing digital content.

When creating digital content at UNI:

  • Use accessible templates for documents and web pages
  • Add captions or transcripts to video and audio content
  • Use headings, descriptive links, and image descriptions
  • Use built-in accessibility checkers before publishing
  • Consider accessibility when selecting digital tools or software

More detailed guidance is available in the Digital Accessibility Basics and Digital Accessibility FAQs.

‌Staff

UNI staff members sitting around a table

Digital content used for university operations, communication, or public information should follow accessibility best practices.

This includes websites, digital documents, email communications, and online forms. Units may organize this work differently, so check with your department to understand local responsibilities.

‌Faculty

UNI faculty member teaching students

Course materials used in instruction should follow accessibility best practices whenever possible.

This includes documents, videos, readings, and digital tools used in courses. New materials should be created with accessibility in mind, and reused materials should be improved over time.

UNI provides tools and guidance to help instructors address common accessibility issues.

‌Students

Students talking at a table in Schindler

Accessibility expectations apply when students create digital content on behalf of the university, such as:

  • Content created through a student job
  • Materials produced for a department
  • Official content for student organizations

Personal coursework and individual assignments generally do not fall under these expectations.