Accessible Digital Experiences for Everyone
The University at Albany is committed to ensuring that our digital content and services are accessible to all members of our community, including individuals with disabilities. Digital accessibility is essential to our mission of education, research, public service and inclusive excellence.
This commitment applies to websites, social media, online systems, digital documents, instructional materials and vendor‑provided platforms used to deliver University programs and services.
Why Digital Accessibility Matters & Who Plays a Role
Digital accessibility:
- Ensures equal access to information, learning and services
- Supports students, faculty, staff, patients, research participants and the public
- Is required by federal and state law
- Reflects our institutional values of equity, inclusion and academic excellence
Accessibility is a shared responsibility at UAlbany. While central teams provide guidance and tools, everyone who creates or manages digital content plays a role.
about-accessibility
Our Legal Responsibilities
Our Legal Responsibilities
As a SUNY institution, the University is required to comply with:
- Federal disability nondiscrimination laws, including:
- SUNY and New York State accessibility requirements, including:
Because UAlbany receives federal and state funding for academic, research and health programs, these requirements apply broadly across our digital environment.
Accessibility Standards We Follow
The University aligns its digital accessibility efforts with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level A and AA.
WCAG is the recognized international standard for accessible digital content.
These standards help ensure digital content is usable by people who rely on assistive technologies.
Examples include screen readers, keyboard navigation, screen magnification, captions and transcripts.
What This Means in Practice
Our accessibility efforts apply to:
- Learning management systems and online instruction
- Digital documents (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
- Online forms, portals and apps
- Websites and social media
- Multimedia content (video and audio)
- Third‑party platforms used to deliver University programs or services
Continuous Improvement, Together
Digital accessibility is not a one-time project. The University is committed to:
- Improving accessibility across existing systems and content
- Integrating accessibility into new projects and procurements
- Providing training and resources for content creators
- Responding to accessibility concerns in a timely manner
Not sure where to start? Check out the University's free training opportunities and digital accessibility guides.
Four Phases of Campus Accessibility Maturity
Accessibility supports our academic mission, strengthens our community and ensures that everyone can fully participate in University life. We appreciate your partnership as we continue to improve the accessibility of our digital spaces.
Units can use this tool, and so can the entire University, to measure where we are on our journey toward accessible inclusive excellence.
phases
Awareness
Phase 1
“We know accessibility matters.”
Acclimation
Phase 2
“We know how to do it and where it fits.”
Integration
Phase 3
“We do this every time and we measure it.”
Culture
Phase 4
“This is who we are at UAlbany.”
Phase 1: Awareness
Phase 1: Awareness
Goal: Build understanding and motivation, reduce misconceptions and establish a Community of Practice.
Methods:
- Campus-wide communications and briefings
- Introductory workshops and training
- Leadership messaging about legal and ethical obligations
- Sharing examples of accessible versus inaccessible experiences
- Identifying initial champions across departments
Phase 2: Acclimation
Phase 2: Acclimation
Goal: Normalize accessibility by incorporating it into policies, procedures and templates.
Methods:
- Accessibility checkpoints added to existing workflows (for example: procurement, course design, events, digital materials, etc.)
- Baseline training for content creators (for example: faculty, Human Resources staff, IT staff, campus communicators, event organizers)
- Templates and tools (for example: accessible syllabus template, procurement vetting checklist, etc.)
- Early adoption pilot within several departments
- Peer‑support channels or office hours
Phase 3: Integration
Phase 3: Integration
Goal: Move from knowledge to consistent practice and accountability.
Methods:
- Routine accessibility checks and deeper annual reviews
- Accessibility liaisons in each department
- Scorecards or dashboards to track progress
- Pathways for reporting and remediating accessibility barriers
- Regular status updates to leadership
Phase 4: Culture
Phase 4: Culture
Goals: UAlbany isn’t just compliant; it is truly inclusive by design.
Methods:
- Functional Community of Practice with regular meetings, collaborative problem-solving and peer mentoring
- Advanced training for content creators (for example: PDFs, multimedia, procurement, assistive technology, etc.)
- Campus‑wide awards and celebrations recognizing accessibility excellence
- User testing with disabled users
- Continual revision of policies as standards and requirements evolve
- Accessibility mirrored in strategic planning and budgeting
Want to get more involved? Please contact UAlbany's Electronic & Information Accessibility Officer Anne McGrath at [email protected] with any questions, suggestions or ideas.