The University of Iowa’s Accessibility Task Force has launched a new website to serve as the hub for all accessibility-related resources and information. The new site, accessibility.uiowa.edu, also will provide updates about new accessibility initiatives and allow campus members to ask questions that will be answered in an FAQ that will be updated consistently.

The website is just one of the initiatives of the task force, established in December to ensure the university is in compliance with a new U.S. Department of Justice rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Title II requires accessible web content and mobile apps by April 24, 2026.

Over the next six months, the task force will focus on educating campus about developing compliant digital content and taking inventory of areas and systems needing improvement.

"Our efforts extend beyond mere legal compliance," says ADA Coordinator and task force co-chair Tiffini Stevenson Earl. "Ensuring that our content and campus are accessible to everyone with whom we work and interact is not only the right thing to do but also an integral part of our campus culture."

Digital content includes documents, spreadsheets, presentations, websites, and PDFs. Faculty and staff can work toward learning to develop content using the “POUR” principles:

• Perceivable: Everyone can see and hear the content.
• Operable: Everyone can use the content or website.
• Understandable: Everyone can understand the content and how to use the website.
• Robust: The website or content works well with various devices and assistive technologies.

The task force also will host a series of meetings to communicate the changes, briefly educate on what can be done in the short term, and ask for feedback on how the task force can best implement changes in specific areas.

In addition to the website, the task force has formed 10 subcommittees around key areas of focus needed to be compliant with the federal regulations. 

• The Administration Subcommittee is focused on improving digital accessibility across campus. The subcommittee identifies and shares training resources, monitors progress, and collaborates with other subcommittees to align with overall goals.
• The Athletics Subcommittee is ensuring digital content and applications for athletics are accessible. The subcommittee is addressing barriers on athletics websites and apps, making sure all users can access university athletics information and services during events.
• The Communication Subcommittee works to develop and implement communication strategies to inform campus about accessibility issues and solutions. This subcommittee is creating content that educates campus about accessibility and provides updates on the task force's progress.
• The Contracts Subcommittee is working to ensure that all digital content and service contracts meet accessibility standards. The subcommittee reviews and updates contract language accordingly.
• The Health Care Subcommittee is focused on ensuring that digital health care content and applications are accessible. The subcommittee collaborates with university health care units to identify and solve accessibility issues.
• The Research Subcommittee is focused on ensuring that research-related digital content and applications are accessible. The subcommittee works with researchers and faculty to address accessibility in projects, publications, and data management. The subcommittee also collaborates with others to integrate accessibility into all university research activities. 
• The Student Life Subcommittee works to improve accessibility across all facets of student life. This subcommittee is focused on ensuring that student services, activities, and resources are accessible to the entire Hawkeye community.
• The Teaching Subcommittee is working on academic course accessibility. The subcommittee works with faculty and staff to ensure course materials and online learning platforms are accessible to all students.
• The Training and Support Subcommittee is evaluating and building training programs about accessibility best practices. It develops materials, conducts workshops, and supports faculty, staff, and students in implementing accessibility standards.
• The Web Subcommittee ensures that university websites are accessible. The subcommittee identifies and helps fix accessibility issues, educates campus on the use of the Siteimprove tool, and ensures new content meets accessibility standards.

"The efforts of the new task force have been remarkable in such a brief period," says Maggie Jesse, co-chair of the Accessibility Task Force and executive director of the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology. "We have collaborated effectively to identify the necessary measures to not only ensure campus compliance, but also drive a cultural shift toward providing accessibility for all Hawkeyes."

Steps you can take

While the task force continues its work, UI faculty and staff can become familiar with the new regulations and understand how the regulations could affect day-to-day work at the university.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Educate yourself: Learn about the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Version 2.1, Level AA, and understand the requirements for digital accessibility. 
• Assess your content: Review your digital content and systems to identify any areas that may need improvement to meet the new standards.
• Seek training: Participate in training sessions and workshops on digital accessibility to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to create accessible content.
• Collaborate: Work with your colleagues and the Accessibility Task Force to share best practices and resources for achieving compliance.
• Provide feedback: Use the feedback mechanisms provided by the task force to report any accessibility issues and suggest improvements.