Dear Colleagues,
Recent developments in accessibility-related legislation—including updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act—emphasize expanding digital accessibility to keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies. Updates to Section 508, for instance, set clearer standards for making websites, apps, and digital materials accessible to individuals with disabilities. These changes aim to remove barriers in areas like online learning, digital course content, and campus websites, ensuring equitable access for all members of the university community.
For 91, this means adopting a proactive approach to creating accessible materials and technology. This means working to provide faculty and staff with the training and tools needed to meet these standards, from captioning videos to designing inclusive documents. Institutions that prioritize accessibility not only comply with the law but also foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
These legislative updates underscore the importance of embedding accessibility into all aspects of campus operations, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in academic and campus life. There will be much activity in this area in the coming months, so stay on the lookout for further updates and resources for integrating accessibility into all we do!
Thank you,
Magdalena L. Barrera
Vice Provost for Faculty Success
ATI Executive Sponsor