Establishing an Office for Digital Accessibility: A Strategic Approach to Compliance and Inclusion

In response to evolving accessibility standards and federal regulations, the University of Minnesota has established the Office for Digital Accessibility to lead institutional efforts in creating a more inclusive digital environment. This presentation will explore the strategic planning process undertaken to ensure compliance with ADA Title II regulations, including the development of a Digital Accessibility Strategic Plan and a revised Accessibility of Digital Content and Information Technology Policy. Additionally, we will highlight the formation of two key committees: the Web and Email Digital Accessibility Coordinators (WEDAC) and the Academic Digital Accessibility Liaisons (ADAL), both of which play a crucial role in supporting units across the institution to develop their own digital accessibility plans. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for policy development, governance structures, and collaborative approaches to achieving institutional digital accessibility goals.

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of our journey, including:

1. Establishing the Office for Digital Accessibility

• Organizational structure and leadership
• Initial challenges and opportunities

2. Developing a Digital Accessibility Strategic Plan

• Stakeholder engagement and input
• Implementation strategies and evaluation metrics

3. Creating the Accessibility of Digital Content and Information Technology Policy

• Policy development process and key components
• Ensuring alignment with ADA Title II regulations

4. Forming the WEDAC and ADAL Committees

• Supporting units in meeting compliance requirements
• Training, resources, and ongoing collaboration

5. Lessons Learned and Next Steps

• Sustaining momentum and fostering a culture of accessibility
• Future initiatives and anticipated policy developments

Ensuring digital accessibility in higher education requires a strategic and collaborative approach. By sharing the University of Minnesota’s experiences, this session aims to provide guidance to institutions looking to establish or enhance their digital accessibility initiatives. This session is designed for higher education administrators, IT professionals, accessibility coordinators, policy makers, faculty, and staff involved in digital accessibility efforts at their institutions.