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Digital Accessibility

What Is Digital Accessibility?

Digital accessibility means designing and maintaining digital content so it can be used by people with a wide range of abilities, including individuals who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, voice recognition software, or keyboard navigation.

At The University of Texas at Tyler, digital accessibility supports equitable access to information, instruction, employment, and services by ensuring digital content and tools are usable by people with disabilities.

This applies to institutionally supported digital content and technology, including:

  • Websites and web applications
  • Electronic documents such as PDFs, Word files, emails, and presentations
  • Instructional materials and online learning resources
  • Digital platforms and tools used across the university

These responsibilities apply to faculty, staff, departments, and units that create, manage, or procure digital content or technology.

UT Tyler’s Commitment to Digital Accessibility

UT Tyler is committed to providing accessible digital experiences in accordance with:

These requirements ensure that individuals with disabilities can access electronic information and services in a comparable and effective manner.

Why Digital Accessibility Matters

Accessible digital content benefits everyone. It improves usability, supports inclusive teaching and learning, and reduces the need for retroactive accommodations.

More importantly, digital accessibility ensures that UT Tyler fulfills its responsibility to provide equitable access to information and services for all members of the university community.

Shared Responsibility Across the University

Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility.

  • Content creators are responsible for ensuring that documents, websites, and instructional materials they produce are accessible.
  • Departments and units are responsible for engaging accessibility review when adopting new digital tools or platforms.
  • Information Technology provides guidance, review, and support through Digital Accessibility and EIR Accessibility processes.
  • Accessibility considerations should be part of planning, creation, and procurement, not an afterthought.

Digital Accessibility and EIR Accessibility

UT Tyler’s digital accessibility program includes two closely related areas:

Digital Accessibility

Digital Accessibility focuses on content created by the university, including:

  • Websites
  • Electronic documents
  • Instructional and public‑facing materials

Guidance and resources are provided to help ensure content meets accessibility standards.

EIR Accessibility

Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) Accessibility focuses on third‑party technology and institutionally supported systems, such as:

  • Software applications
  • Web‑based platforms
  • Vendor‑provided digital tools

EIR Accessibility reviews are typically initiated through the Technology Assessment process.

Together, these efforts ensure accessible access to UT Tyler’s digital environment.

Accessibility Standards

UT Tyler aligns its digital accessibility efforts with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, which define technical and functional criteria for accessible digital content. 

WCAG standards help ensure compatibility with assistive technologies and provide guidance for addressing common accessibility barriers affecting users with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities.

Digital Accessibility Resources

These resources are designed to help you create, update, and evaluate digital content before it is published. Watch this section for additional content, coming soon. 

For questions related to purchased or vendor‑provided technology, refer to EIR Accessibility.

When to Contact Digital Accessibility Support

If you have reviewed the available accessibility resources and still need clarification, validation, or guidance, Digital Accessibility support is available through Information Technology.

Accessibility support is intended to provide assistance when resources alone are not sufficient and to help prevent barriers before they impact users.