For a number of years, EWU has been working to increase the accessibility of its websites, applications, videos, course materials, and social media to better serve all members of our community.    Under new Department of Justice requirements, which go into effect on April 24, 2026, EWU’s digital materials must meet the technical standards identified in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA. To assist EWU in fulfilling this important responsibility, faculty will need to review their course materials to ensure any materials used in a new course after April 24th meet these accessibility standards. We know this can be quite daunting, so Faculty Commons is partnering with Instructional Technology to help you find the resources you need and to provide any additional support that is required.
Important Accessibility Links:
Instructional Technology and Web Services Resources
1. Information Technology Website
Knowledge Base homepage for Accessibility – links to individual support materials (includes 5 minute Mastery videos).
2. Accessing Insights Reports
The Insights tool from Ellucian reports on summary data from both Ally and Popetech.
3. Ally Course Accessibility Tool
The Ally Accessibility Tool that’s built into Canvas automatically scans your original content and performs a series of steps to make them more accessible.
4. Remediate a PowerPoint Presentation
Remediating PowerPoint presentations for accessibility concerns is often necessary for compliance with ADA requirements.
5. Remediate a Word Document
Remediating Word documents for accessibility concerns is often necessary for compliance with ADA requirements.
6. Remediate Common PDF Accessibility Issues
Remediating PDF files for accessibility concerns is often necessary for compliance with ADA requirements.
7. Accessibility General Information Page
Links to various tools for accessibility
8. Document Remediation in Canvas with Ally
Boot Camp 2025
9. Teaching Online for Faculty Courses
Provides new online instructors brief modules on aspects of teaching online, accessibility components are included. Participation is tracked.
10. Accessibility Training for Faculty
Full course on accessibility, includes optional Module assignments to gauge understanding. Participation is not tracked.
Faculty Commons Resources
1. Faculty Commons Canvas Module on Accessibility
A Canvas course covering multiple topics regarding accessibility
2. Crip Campus Accessibility Podcast Playlist
Crip Campus is a very serious, light-hearted podcast centered around disability and access in higher education. The two hosts, Cindy Nover and Ryan Parrey are instructors at Eastern Washington University and have a lot to say about these very important and pertinent topics in today’s world.
