UI launches digital accessibility task force

Task force will ensure UI's compliance with Title II digital accessibility regulations by April 2026

Thursday, December 12, 2024

The University of Iowa has created an Accessibility Task Force to comply with a new U.S. Department of Justice rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, requiring accessible web content and mobile apps by April 24, 2026.

Steve Fleagle, associate vice president and chief information officer of Information Technology Services (ITS), and Liz Tovar, executive officer and associate vice president of the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity (DAOD), are sponsoring the task force.

"Our goal is to ensure that all digital content and systems are accessible to everyone," Fleagle says. "This is not just about compliance; it's about creating a path forward where everyone can access the information and services they need."

The Accessibility Task Force will identify and prioritize digital systems and content based on usage, accessibility, and resources, and implement a remediation process following Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA standards. The task force will provide training, conduct ongoing testing, and work with third-party vendors to ensure compliance. It will establish an exception process for specific content types, implement regular audits, and update university policies to maintain accessibility. Clear communication, regular reporting, and securing necessary resources will be essential to achieving these goals.

"Ensuring compliance with Title II is crucial and required for our university," says Tovar. "It demonstrates our commitment to accessibility for all members of our community and builds on our strategic goal of providing a welcoming and respectful environment for all Hawkeyes."

These changes affect all digital work and systems at the university, including classroom coursework, research, health care, and athletics. The task force will collaborate and lead this effort, coordinating with existing groups to ensure compliance, consistency, and efficiency, while avoiding duplication of efforts.

The task force will be co-chaired by Maggie Jesse, executive director of the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology, and Tiffini Stevenson Earl, senior director of the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and ADA coordinator. Task force members include:

• Mirra Anson, director, student academic success and strategic initiatives, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost
• Kirk Corey, director of policy and user services, Information Security and Policy Office, ITS
• Karmen Dillon, executive IT director, Application Services, UI Health Care
• Eddie Etsey, associate athletics director, Technology and Data Analytics, Department of Athletics
• Erin Feltes, deputy counsel, Office of General Counsel
• Ethan Fry, senior application developer, UI Health Care
• Brandon Mills, senior IT director, Division of Student Life
• Michael O'Neill, director of web strategy, Office of Strategic Communication
• Maureen Schafer, assistant provost and director, Academic Advising Center
• Charlie Taylor, chief of staff and communications, DAOD
• Mike Venzon, director, Student Disability Services, Division of Student Life
• T.M. Weissenberger, digital accessibility coordinator, Security Office, ITS
• Mike Frangi, director, Project Management, ITS

Steps you can take

While the task force begins its work, UI faculty and staff can become familiar with the new regulations and understand how the regulations could affect day-to-day work at the university.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Educate yourself: Learn about the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Version 2.1, Level AA, and understand the requirements for digital accessibility.
• Assess your content: Review your digital content and systems to identify any areas that may need improvement to meet the new standards.
• Seek training: Participate in training sessions and workshops on digital accessibility to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to create accessible content.
• Collaborate: Work with your colleagues and the Accessibility Task Force to share best practices and resources for achieving compliance.
• Provide feedback: Use the feedback mechanisms provided by the task force to report any accessibility issues and suggest improvements.

By taking these steps, you can contribute to creating an accessible digital environment at Iowa.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Maggie Jesse ([email protected]) or Tiffini Stevenson Earl ([email protected]).