Preparing for the Title II Rule

Coordinating Efforts

The Accessibility Coordinator, in cooperation with Technology Services, Educational Technology, and a workgroup that includes partners from across the college has been taking proactive steps to ensure digital accessibility across College systems. Key initiatives include:

  1. Utilizing the Accessible Technology Committee (TAC) as the point committee for the work.
  2. Establishing the role of Accessibility Coordinator with authority to designate work to the necessary staff, as approved by the Executive Director of Technology Services and other campus leadership.
  3. Creation of a project plan and communication plan that keeps the campus informed of their responsibilities, tasks, and updates concerning this work.
  4. Campus-wide tools for assessing web content (SiteImprove, Ally, etc.).
  5. Assessing and updating campus-wide accessibility training.
  6. Partnering with college leadership to drive efforts across the campus community.

Accessibility Coordinator

Rosalie Madison currently serves as the College’s Accessibility Coordinator and is available to answer specific questions. Rosalie can be reached at: rmadison@everettcc.edu email icon

Accessible Technology Departments

The creation, support, and advocacy for Accessible Technology is shared between EvCC’s Technology Services, the Center for Transformative Teaching (CTT), Educational Technology, and the Center for Disability Services (CDS). Each of these groups provides resources and consultation to support units in creating accessible digital content. Get started on making content accessible today by exploring the State Board for Community and Technical College’s Accessibility 101 external link icon site, or engaging with any of the above departments on available tools for Canvas course content, videos, social media, websites, and documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this rule impact academic courses?

Course content is to be treated like any other web or mobile app content.

Does the new rule apply to web or mobile applications procured from third parties?

Yes. The new rule applies to all websites and mobile apps “that a public entity provides or makes available, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements,” subject to exceptions that are documented elsewhere on this web page. Steps must be taken during the procurement process to ensure third-party web and mobile apps meet accessibility requirements. For more information on software purchase processes, please contact Technology Service’s TechHUB via techhub@everettcc.edu. EvCC’s Software Request Application should be used when exploring new software options for campus use. This application has steps to verify the product’s accessibility and compliance to the new DOJ ruling.  

How do I know if my website or web content meets WCAG standards?

EvCC provides several tools for evaluating websites and content, including the SiteImprove automated website scanning system and the Ally accessibility tool incorporated into Canvas. Other tools and techniques will be made available as they are added to our toolkit.

What are the expectations of college staff and faculty in meeting this standard?

The new rule will require both College-wide and department/division efforts to ensure that web content and mobile apps comply with the technical standards. All owners, managers and creators of web and mobile app content will need to understand how to comply with the technical standard. More information, resources, deadlines and responsibilities will be made available starting Winter 2025.

What can I do proactively to ensure digital accessibility in my work now?

EvCC has existing resources to ensure that all technology can be used successfully by people with a wide range of disabilities. To learn more about making websites, documents, and videos accessible, please visit the Accessibility website.

What documents does ‘conventional electronic documents’ entail?

The new rule defines conventional electronic documents as web content or content in mobile apps in the following electronic file formats: portable document formats (PDFs), word processor file formats, presentation file formats, and spreadsheet file formats. Examples of conventional electronic documents include Adobe PDF files, Microsoft Word and Google Docs files, Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides files, and Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets files.

What is the history surrounding federal regulations and digital accessibility?

Federal regulations and guidelines have played a crucial role in promoting digital accessibility and ensuring equal access to information for individuals with disabilities over the past decades. These include but are not limited to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Amendment Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act in 1998, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 1.0 in 1999. Despite these legislative milestones, ongoing efforts are needed to address evolving technologies and challenges in the digital world across various sectors.
To learn more, see the Level Access article Key Milestones in Website Accessibility Law.