Outline of people indicating varying differences in ability and circumstance

When we design for all, we increase our chances of justice for all. That is the driving force behind Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s eAccessibility initiative. What started as an effort to bring all ISU Extension and Outreach digital resources into compliance with digital accessibility rules, regulations and best practices turned into something more. Comprehensive, cost-effective education on digital document accessibility proved hard to come by, so ISU Extension and Outreach staff completed their own research and developed their own curricula. These curricula are now available for purchase to all outside the Iowa State University community.

Are you ready to:

  • Begin making a difference with digital accessibility?
  • Reach more individuals with your content?
  • Support equity and inclusion in your organization?
  • Maintain civil rights compliance?
  • Become more marketable?

Digital Accessibility Road Map:

Struggling to get started? Follow our road map and begin making progress on digital accessibility in your organization!

WHAT is Digital Accessibility?

STEP 1

Read What is Universal Design? - An eAccessibility Initiative Publication. The language surrounding digital accessibility can be confusing. Get familiar with commonly used terms so you can make sense of material to come.

WHY is Digital Accessibility Important?

STEP 2

Read Accessibility is a Civil Right - An eAccessibility Initiative Publication. Addressing digital accessibility in your organization is important not only ethically but legally. Be prepared to navigate challenging conversations and questions by knowing exactly what laws and regulations are in place.

HOW Do You Begin to Address Digital Accessibility?

STEP 3

Determine key stakeholders in your organization and begin conversations about the “WHAT” and “WHY” of digital accessibility. Obtaining sponsorship, especially at the leadership level, will be necessary to take on the task of digital accessibility. Sponsorship at this stage may simply look like verbal support or advocacy.

STEP 4

Read Guidelines and Who Defines Them? - An eAccessibility Initiative Publication to understand how success for digital accessibility is measured.

STEP 5

Read Creating a Sustainable Model - An eAccessibility Initiative Publication and begin outlining next steps to tackle new document creation and document remediation.

STEP 6

Work with key stakeholders to begin auditing digital properties. Determine what resources are a priority for remediation and what resources are no longer valid and can, therefore, be removed entirely.

STEP 7

After the scope of work is better understood, work with leadership to garner necessary resources. This could mean shifting job duties and expectations, purchasing software, or hiring dedicated staff.

STEP 8

Lean on leadership to champion the value of this work across the organization. Their participation will be key to promoting a culture shift.

STEP 9

All staff responsible for creating new digital documents in Microsoft Office, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Acrobat Pro should take the Creating Accessible Digital Documents courses to receive the professional development required to produce new accessible documents.

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