Accessibility

Mission

To empower faculty and staff across the university with the knowledge and skills necessary to create accessible digital content, ensuring a fully inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students in compliance with federal regulations.

Structure

The program will operate on a "champion" model, with designated faculty members from each college or school and a core group of staff members serving as a Digital Accessibility Champion. These champions will be the go-to resource for their colleagues, providing guidance, support and a direct line of communication with the digital accessibility team.

Champions will participate in professional development and small group discussion opportunities in November and December of 2025 to prepare for their work within the colleges/departments during January–April of 2026.

Champion responsibilities

• Become a subject matter expert: Complete an initial training program to gain a foundational understanding of digital accessibility principles, WCAG 2.1 guidelines, and university-provided tools.
• Serve as a departmental resource: Act as the first point of contact for colleagues within their department or unit seeking assistance with digital accessibility.
• Promote best practices: Champion the creation of accessible content from the outset, advocating for "universal design" principles in all instructional materials.
• Facilitate peer-to-peer learning: Organize and lead informal workshops, "lunch and learns" or office hours within their department or unit to share knowledge and practical tips.
• Escalate complex issues: Identify and communicate complex accessibility challenges or needs to the central digital accessibility team for specialized support.
• Share successes: Highlight and celebrate departmental achievements in digital accessibility, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.

Eligibility criteria

For faculty champions, support and approval from their Dean and Chair is required. Preference will be given to faculty with professional development experience in Digital Accessibility.

For staff champions, support from their supervisor or department head is required. Preference will be given to staff who have served on our Digital Accessibility Working Group (DAWG) or have attended several related professional development opportunities.

Support for champions

• Initial and ongoing training: Champions will receive comprehensive training on topics such as creating accessible documents, captioning videos and utilizing accessibility checkers in common software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google, AsULearn).
• Dedicated support team: A central digital accessibility team will be available to answer questions, provide advanced technical support and offer resources.
• Community of practice: Champions will meet regularly to share experiences, discuss challenges and collaborate on solutions.
• Recognition and compensation: Champions will receive an incentive to acknowledge their commitment and time investment in this critical university-wide initiative.

Deliverables

Designation of Digital Accessibility Champion with expectations to serve dept/college/unit in this capacity:

• Information sharing with colleagues
  • Inclusion at dept/college/unit events
  • Sharing regular updates on timelines
  • Sharing information with project team groups
• Attend “Train the trainer” digital accessibility workshop sessions
  • Sessions provided by ITS Academic Technologies (AT) and the Office of Access and Opportunity: Disability Resources
• Develop/design/facilitate accessibility sessions (workshops, drop-ins)
  • 5-8 sessions
• Advertise and offer one-on-one consultations (as needed)
  • Track consultations
• Participation in the Digital Accessibility Champions Group
  • Attending meetings
  • Share updates

Timeline 

1. Recruitment (Oct 2025)
2. Initial training (Nov–Dec 2025)
3. Support program launch and continued collaboration (Jan–April 2026)