Digital Accessibility FAQs
Digital Accessibility Basics
Inaccessible files create access barriers for persons with disabilities in much the same way that designing a building without ramps or ADA push plate prevents physical access to those structures. For example, persons with a vision impairment may rely upon a screen reader to describe the text and imagery on a screen. This can create a variety of problems for that person:
- Documents without correct tags or headings may be read in the wrong order.
- Images with vital information lacking alt-text descriptions will be skipped over.
- Digital scans will be unreadable.
This rule, and the law that underwrites it, ensures that all persons with disabilities are given equitable access to the materials that those without disabilities have.
We all are! Almost everything the University does involves digital media and the online delivery of that media. This includes our internal and external websites, outreach, and instruction. Any time a digital file is provided to a public audience the legal expectation is that said file is digitally accessible.
It means that as of April 24, 2026, all digital media created and shared by EWU must be digitally accessible.
It also means that EWU must show a good faith effort to remediate all digital content created and shared by EWU created before this date.
All digital content that is shared to the public via websites and mobile apps, regardless of where the content resides, is subject to this rule and must be accessible.
Yes. Archived web content – that is content that is kept but not currently used or altered – and third-party content – content posted by an uncontracted third party (e.g., public comments, student postings, etc.) do not fall under this rule.
Checking Sites and Documents for Accessibility
Most file editors have a built-in accessibility checker that can flag accessibility issues. These include:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Adobe Acrobat Pro (PDFs)
Some products (such as those in the Google Suite) require either: a third-party extension, or for users to download the document and scan using another tool (e.g., Office).
Those building WordPress pages can use the WAVE plug-in to quickly review their pages and can consult the Popetech accessibility report for information on page errors.
Canvas pages and files are scanned using the Ally tool in Canvas which can be accessed by those with the “Teacher” role in the course.
Currently there are two reports widely available in Ellucian Insights: one that displays data from Canvas using the Ally tool, and another that displays accessibility errors found on WordPress websites using Popetech.
How to access Insights Reports:
No. Digital files shared via WordPress must be manually checked for accessibility.
Getting Started
While all materials must be made accessible, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Review all files and remove anything that is outdated or unused.
- Remediate Scanned PDFs
- The easiest [and best] solution is to, whenever possible, replace scanned documents with more accessible materials.
- If the document is provided by a third party (e.g., textbook publisher, journal, etc), request the third party provide an accessible document.
- Work with your librarian to try and find alternative materials.
- If replacing the document isn’t possible, you will need to request an Adobe Acrobat Pro license and remediate the document.
- This can be a time-consuming process!
- The easiest [and best] solution is to, whenever possible, replace scanned documents with more accessible materials.
- Add alt-text to all images!
- Verify that headings, which provide a coherent reading structure for screen readers and the people who use them, are used properly.
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
- DOJ Fact Sheet
- Full DOJ Text: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities
Still Have Questions?
We are working to expand this knowledge base as questions arise. For answers you don’t see here, reach out to accessibility@ewu.edu.
Learn More
Join a self-paced training or connect with Instructional Technology & Web Services.
