The new Digital Accessibility Program in the Office of the CIO is leading the implementation of the University of Illinois’ Digital Accessibility and Excellence Initiative. Driving the advancement of digital accessibility in partnership with many campus units (including the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, University Library and Disability Resources and Educational Services), this campuswide effort strives to ensure all digital content and technologies are accessible.
Launched in spring 2024, the Digital Accessibility and Excellence Initiative addresses updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires all digital content, including online course materials and mobile applications, to be accessible. With more than 11% of the student body using academic accommodations through DRES this past academic year—and an estimated 10% more who have not sought support— this initiative reflects the university’s longstanding commitment to making every program, service and activity inclusive, affirming that accessibility is a civil right, not just an accommodation.
Training and resources
The Digital Accessibility website hosts resources for training, tools and software to help you make your content accessible across many different applications and platforms. Visit the site for workshop opportunities, office hour information and tools.
Program structure
The Digital Accessibility and Excellence Steering Committee, now the Digital Accessibility and Excellence Advisory Committee, gathered expert staff and faculty across units to advise the program. They identified the need for a new role of digital accessibility architect, which leads the program, and the hiring of staff to expand accessibility evaluation, software evaluation and digital accessibility consulting.
As we continue to engage and enable campus to create accessible content, we are moving toward our final phase of implementing and sustaining our new capacities for digital accessibility. The Digital Accessibility and Excellence Initiative is building a campus culture and infrastructure that meets and exceeds ADA standards, promoting full accessibility and inclusion for all.