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.

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

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Texas Administrative Code Chapters 206 and 213
Applicable University of Texas System and UT Tyler policies

These requirements ensure that individuals with disabilities can access electronic information and services in a comparable and effective manner. Understand how digital accessibility rules apply to UT Tyler.

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

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

Websites
Electronic documents
Instructional and public‑facing materials

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

Digital Accessibility Frequently Asked Questions

EIR Accessibility

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

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

When to Contact Digital Accessibility Support

For general questions after using the provided guidance, contact EIRaccessibility@uttyler.edu

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