The University of Texas at Austin (“University”) is committed to providing a learning and working environment in which all users can meaningfully participate. An important component is ensuring the University’s Electronic Information Resources (EIR) and Digital Content is accessible to users with disabilities. Compliance with the digital accessibility standards set forth in this policy is required by state and federal law. Violations of this policy may constitute a violation of the University's Nondiscrimination policy, HOP 3-3020, and subject non-compliant websites and other digital media to quarantine or takedown, and in egregious cases, subject employees to disciplinary measures.
- Reason for Policy
The purpose of this policy is to comply with federal and state standards relating to the accessibility of digital information and to ensure that users with disabilities can participate in all university programs, services, and activities.
- Scope & Audience
This policy applies to all digital resources and information technology (IT) used for instruction, information distribution, communication, and other University Business. This includes, but is not limited to, websites, electronic documents, multimedia files, and online instructional content.
- Definitions (specific to this policy)
Archived Content:
Any digital information created before the compliance deadline that is stored and preserved in a digital archive and that is not actively used or modified but is kept for reference, research, and/or recordkeeping purposes.
Digital Content:
Any information or communication accessed or displayed in a digital format or medium as text, image, audio, or video.
Electronic Information Resources (EIR):
Includes software, server-based, personal computer, mobile device, and web-based applications and websites; website hosting and design services; development, hosting, maintenance, and archiving services; digital hardware interfaces; and digital database configurations and interfaces.
Pre-existing Electronic Documents:
Traditional electronic documents that were available on a website or app before the compliance deadline, except if they are currently being used to apply for, access, or participate in services, programs, or activities.
University Content:
Digital Content created, posted, distributed, or published for University Business. This term does not include Digital Content that a third party independently uploads to a University platform or website.
University EIR:
EIR purchased, developed, deployed, or used for University Business, and, in the case of web-based applications and websites, is hosted on a University-owned or controlled domain.
University Business:
Includes activities carried out by University faculty, staff, and sponsored student organizations in their official capacities. It does not include activities organized or conducted by students or registered student organizations.
Standards:
Refers to digital accessibility standards. For this policy, these are the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Version 2.1, Level AA Conformance (WCAG 2.1, Level AA) for websites and web-based applications and services.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):
Internationally recognized accessibility standards developed by the World Wide Web (W3C) Consortium. The standards are comprised of Success Criteria (Level A, AA, or AAA) that correspond to possible levels of conformance with digital accessibility standards. The standard set forth in this policy is WCAG 2.1, Level AA. Subpart H of the title II Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulation 28 C.F.R. part 35 requires public entitles comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA success criteria and conformance requirements.
- Website (for policy)
https://secure4.compliancebridge.com/utexas/public/getdoc.php?file=3-3014
Contacts
Responsibilities & Procedures
- Digital Accessibility Standards
To meet the University’s commitment to accessibility, EIR and Digital Content used, developed, or procured by the University must conform to applicable digital accessibility standards (“the Standards”). For this policy, the University follows the technical standards outlined in Subpart H of the title II Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulation 28 C.F.R. Part 35, which requires that that public entities adopt the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Version 2.1, Level AA Conformance (WCAG 2.1, Level AA) for websites and web-based applications and services. This includes mobile apps and social media posts made by the University. Software and services that are not web-based should conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA to the fullest extent possible.
In the case of digital hardware interfaces, the Standards also include the federal Section 508 standards described in Chapter 4 of Appendix C to 36 C.F.R. Part 1194, whether or not such instances of hardware are covered by the regulation.
- Timeline
Starting March 2026, University Content must conform with the Standards unless it qualifies for an exception under Section VII.D. University EIR purchased, licensed, or internally developed after the effective date are expected to comply with the Standards at the point of roll-out or implementation.
New and Revised Digital Resources:
All new or significantly revised websites and web applications must conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
Non-web-based software and digital hardware interfaces should conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA and Section 508 standards where applicable.
Existing Digital Resources:
Existing digital resources that do not fall in one of the exception categories noted in Section VII.D. must be updated to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. The Digital Accessibility Steering Committee will work with the DAC to establish a prioritization plan and timeline for remediation.
- Considerations for Procurement
University personnel purchasing or procuring EIR are responsible for ensuring that vendors seeking to develop or provide University EIR or Digital Content are aware of this policy and that contractual agreements with vendors are drafted to ensure compliance with the Standards to the fullest extent possible. In accordance with UT System Policy, all vendors will be asked to provide a current Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) and agree to the EIR Accessibility Warranty in the contract terms and conditions prior to contract execution. The University reserves the right to conduct a manual accessibility review depending on the breadth and scope of the product’s intended use. The ACR will be reviewed and maintained in accordance with the University’s record retention policies. Vendors who will not agree to the EIR Accessibility Warranty may suggest alternative language for review by Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation (IAA). If the alternative language is insufficient or the ACR does not demonstrate substantial compliance with the Standards, the purchase may not go forward without an exception approved by IAA.
- Exceptions
When conformance with the Standards is not technically feasible, would result in a fundamental alteration in a service, program, or activity, or would create an undue hardship, an exception request may be submitted for review by IAA. Departments or users requesting the exception must demonstrate (1) how bringing the EIR into compliance would not be technically feasible, would result in a fundamental alteration to a program or activity, or would create an undue hardship; (2) whether there are accessible alternatives available; and (3) how they will provide alternative access to users who are unable to use the EIR because of a disability. The expense or time to make EIR or Digital Content compliant will not be considered a valid basis for an exception except in extreme circumstances approved by the Digital Accessibility Steering Committee. Likewise, the inconvenience of needing to conduct business functions differently than they have been done in the past will generally not be considered a fundamental alteration of a program or activity.
The following types of EIR and University Content do not have to conform with the Standards:
- Archived web content
- Pre-existing conventional electronic documents (e.g., pdfs) that are not currently being used to apply for, gain access to, or participate in University services, programs, or activities
- Unsolicited content posted by members of the general public that does not relate to University Business
- Individualized, password-protected or otherwise secured conventional electronic documents
- Pre-existing social media posts (posts made before March 2026)
- Embedded Information Resources
- Medical Equipment
- EIRs for National Security
- EIR in spaces for Maintenance, Repair, and Occasional Monitoring
- Resources and Support
Members of the University community should be mindful of this policy and ensure that University Content they post, publish, or communicate through is accessible to people with disabilities. The following departments and units may provide guidance, support, or technical assistance.
Digital Accessibility Center – The mission of the Digital Accessibility Center (DAC), centrally located within Enterprise Technology, is to support the efforts of faculty and staff who create and maintain Digital Content, applications, or web spaces in the UT digital environment. The DAC provides training, information, and resources on accessibility standards and best practices and works with University purchasers, Digital Content creators, and developers to provide guidance toward a sustainable accessible digital landscape. The DAC supports units by providing content accessibility services such as captioning, transcription and document remediation. Benchmarking of progress and auditing is provided by web scanning reports by using Optimize and institutional Learning Management System accessibility reporting through the Ally Accessibility Platform in Canvas.
Digital Accessibility Steering Committee - Comprised of key staff from across campus, the Digital Accessibility Steering Committee advises DAC on their strategic direction and priorities and provides guidance and assistance to IAA on exception requests. Members are appointed and coordinated by the DAC.
Digital Accessibility Liaisons - are appointed by IT leadership in the colleges and schools. They help coordinate local accessibility efforts and provide progress reports to the DAC that help guide the work of the Digital Accessibility Steering Committee and ensure compliance with this policy.
Disability and Access - Disability and Access (D&A) determines eligibility and implements academic accommodations for students with disabilities at the University. D&A provides academic accommodations, assistance and access to assistive technology resources, and refers students to the DAC for digital accessibility support (e.g., text conversion).
Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation - IAA is located within University Risk and Compliance Services (URCS) and has oversight authority for concerns that fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, including EIR. IAA has final authority to approve exceptions under this policy.
- Frequently Asked Questions
None
- Related Information
HOP 3-3010 - Disability Accommodation for Applicants and Employees
HOP 3-3020 - Nondiscrimination Policy
Electronic Information Resources, including UT System Policies for developed and procured EIR
28 CFR Part 35, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities
- History
Origination date: September 16, 2025
Next scheduled review date: September 2028
