Accessibility

Website and Digital

In today’s digital world, accessibility is essential for building inclusive, user-friendly online experiences. It involves designing and developing digital content, websites, and platforms that can be used by everyone—regardless of ability or disability. Accessibility ensures equal access to information, services, and digital tools.

At Illinois State University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive online environment. Our websites, applications, and digital documents are designed to provide a functional, accessible, and interactive experience for all users.

Many applications and text editors offer built-in features to help you create accessible documents, web pages, and media. By learning how to use these tools—including common campus resources—you can design more inclusive digital materials. Everyone who creates online content shares the responsibility of making it accessible.

The Digital Accessibility Canvas Course  as a training tool to help improve your accessibility skills.

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Mission: Accessible

Be part of our mission to help everyone access and navigate digital content with ease.

7 Steps

The basics of accessibility don’t change, but every tool—like Word, Adobe, or Canvas—has its own way of getting you there. These 7 steps will guide you in creating content that works for everyone.

Find Accessibility Help Articles and Tutorials

Overview of Accessibility Best Practices

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Illinois State follows the ADA Title II, Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act Standards, and the United States' Section 508 Standards which all direct to the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.+ Level A & AA. These guidelines provide standard practices for designers, developers, and content authors to create content for a diverse range of abilities. Though website accessibility is necessary for some people to access and use digital content - it benefits all users.
In October 2023, the W3C released Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.

ADA Title II Update

US Department of Justice issued new regulation on April 24, 2024, that significantly updated digital accessibility requirements for state and local governments.

Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to provide services, programs, and activities that are accessible to people with disabilities. Title II applies to all services, programs, or activities of state and local governments, including public universities. This accessibility obligation includes services, programs, and activities that are offered online and through mobile apps. 

 The new Web Rule lists specific requirements about how to ensure that web content and mobile applications (apps) are accessible to people with disabilities. All state and local governments’ web content, including content provided by mobile apps, needs to meet the WCAG Version 2.1, Level A & AA by the compliance date (April 24, 2026) unless there is an exception that applies.


Web Accessibility Resources

If you have questions about accessibility, submit an Accessibility Help Ticket.