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University Policies and Procedures

9.5.3 Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Policy

I. Introduction

Illinois State University, as a public institution, is committed to providing all users, including individuals with disabilities, with functional, accessible, and interactive web and digital experiences. This Policy is in accordance with federal and state laws including Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA). Creating and procuring accessible electronic and information technology (EIT) is critical to ensure an inclusive environment for the entire campus community. EIT with significant accessibility problems may cause some users to find websites, online education, products, or services difficult or impossible to use, which undermines the University's commitment to accessibility. Our campus actively commits to a proactive approach to addressing website and digital accessibility needs, training, and resources for faculty and staff members who create electronic and information technology, and accountability for ensuring an inclusive educational experience. 

II. Scope

This Policy, 9.5.3, applies to all Illinois State University EIT procured, developed, and maintained by university-sponsored units and representatives. These technologies and the scope of their use evolve constantly; therefore, digital accessibility is a shared responsibility at ISU. Each member of the University community is responsible for ensuring equitable access to EIT within their department, unit, school, or college. 

III. Policy Responsibilities 

In accordance with this Policy, unless an exception is permitted under section VII, Illinois State University departments, programs, and University employees shall: 

  • Meet Federal and State EIT accessibility requirements; 
  • Purchase or otherwise acquire accessible EIT;
  • Produce EIT in accessible formats, including meeting WCAG 2.1, Level AA standards; and
  • Ensure equally effective alternatives are available when necessary. 

IV. Definitions

Accessibility

The ability to receive, use, and manipulate data and operate controls included in electronic and information technology in a manner equivalent to that of individuals who do not have disabilities. The structure of the EIT promotes ways in which individuals with disabilities can perceive, understand, and use technology effectively, even when rendered by assistive technologies. All EIT should, at a minimum, meet WCAG 2.1, Level AA standards.

Accessible 

A program, resource, or content is accessible when a person with a disability can access the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use. A person with a disability must be able to obtain the information as fully, equitably, and independently as a person without a disability. 

Assistive Technology 

Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. 

Electronic and Information Technology (EIT)

Electronic information that includes, but is not limited to, content delivered in digital form (including PDFs and other documents), web applications, mobile apps, websites, operating systems, software, learning management systems, course technology, multimedia, equipment, and telecommunications products.

Individuals with Disabilities 

Individuals with impairments that limit their ability to use information technology. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with low vision, blindness, hardness of hearing, deafness, limited use of their hands, no use of their hands, or other similar impairments. 

Public Institution (State Entity)

The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the State of Illinois, including its departments, divisions, agencies, constitutional offices, public bodies, and public universities. The term does not include units of local government, school districts, or community colleges. 

Web Page

A non-embedded resource obtained from a single Universal Resource Identifier (URI) using HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) plus any other resources that are provided for the rendering, retrieval, and presentation of content. 

Additional definitions can be found on the IITAA Standards website. 

V. Website Accessibility Statement

All University-owned, controlled, or sponsored websites should include a link to Illinois State's Website Accessibility Statement on their web pages. 

VI. Procuring EIT

Unless an exception is granted under section VII, all information technology purchased or procured to conduct University operations shall comply with the standards set forth in the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (30 ILCS 587 et seq), along with Illinois State University Policy 7.1- General Fiscal Policies and Policy 7.3- Purchasing and Accounts Payable. See below for resources and further information on compliance with the standards. 

Contracts for the procurement of EIT will include language reflecting that the vendor certifies that information technology, including electronic information, software, systems, and equipment ( including websites and mobile applications), developed or provided under the contract, comply with the applicable Procurement Requirements of the Illinois Technology Accessibility Act. 

VII. Exceptions 

If achieving compliance with the federal requirement to meet WCAG 2.1, Level AA standards is not feasible due to the nature of the content, the purpose of the resource, or the lack of accessible solutions, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access for exception procedures. According to the ADA.gov Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments, there are few exceptions allowed under the law. However, granting an exception does not relieve University programs or services from their EIT accessibility obligation to provide an equally effective alternative accessible format, unless that would require a fundamental alteration to the nature of a program, service, activity, instruction, or procedure or that would result in an undue financial or administrative burden to the University. 

VIII. Resources/ Further Information

Initiating Body: Office of Equal Opportunity and Access 

Revised and Approved: August 2025