Fall 2026 Digital Accessibility Update: Progress and opportunities
Since our spring 2026 updates, the Digital Accessibility Resources and Training (DART) team has continued its work to ensure App State’s digital environment is usable for all.
As we reported in May 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) set the compliance deadline for ADA Title II web and mobile application accessibility regulations to April 26, 2027. App State Policy 909: Digital Accessibility outlines the accessibility standards required to meet the federal regulations.
Fall 2026 Progress and Opportunities
- YuJa Panorama: YuJa Panorama, a new accessibility platform integrated with App State's Canvas instance, was introduced in summer 2026.
- The platform scans course materials for potential accessibility issues and provides actionable guidance. It also offers students alternative formats, making course content more flexible and accessible based on individual needs.
- We are working to update the Digital Accessibility Toolkit with new YuJa Panorama documentation.
- Academic and Emerging Technologies (AET) is working to contact campus departments to schedule targeted accessibility workshops based on YuJa Panorama reports.
- Internal documentation: This past summer, Information Technology Services migrated its Appalachian Technology Knowledge Base and App State’s internal documentation hub (Confluence) to Atlassian Cloud. During this transition, updates have been performed to improve digital accessibility. Learn more about how to improve your campus area's space(s).
- Website migration work continues, and sites are being launched weekly.
- Digital Accessibility Champions program continues: This program empowers App State faculty and staff to become subject matter experts who promote universal design and peer-to-peer learning within their departments. To get involved, contact Madeline Christopher, accessibility technology specialist, at christopherma1@appstate.edu.
Resources and Support
We encourage you to continue exploring these resources as we work toward compliance.
- Visit the Accessibility website for more information and resources.
- The Digital Accessibility Toolkit includes self-help guides and a Digital Material Accessibility Checklist.
- Review archived Access Academy workshops and accessibility tutorial sessions via Media Space (login required).
Support and consultations
- Campus area heads should continue to designate a Digital Accessibility Liaison to lead digital accessibility compliance within their area.
- For questions regarding website content, submit a Website Support Request.
- For general questions, contact digitalaccessibility@appstate.edu.
Accessibility benefits everyone. Together, through our shared commitment, we are building a more accessible and welcoming App State. We appreciate your continued engagement with this effort.