¾«¶«Ó°Òµ is committed to designing, developing, and maintaining digital content and technologies that are accessible to the broadest possible audience.
The University will:
- Maintain WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the minimum accessibility standard
- Integrate accessibility into design, development, and procurement processes
- Provide training and guidance on accessible content creation
- Regularly evaluate and remediate accessibility issues
Policy Authority
¾«¶«Ó°Òµ operates under the policies of the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Board of Regents and is subject to federal accessibility laws and regulations.
The University System of Georgia is a public entity subject to:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- U.S. Department of Justice ADA Title II Web & Mobile Accessibility Rule (2024)
- Board of Regents Policy Manual §4.1.5 — Students with Disabilities
As a USG institution, Georgia Southern must ensure that university digital services, programs, and activities do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities and provide equal access to institutional information and resources.
Accessibility Standard
All ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ web content, web applications, and digital services must conform to:
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
This requirement applies to all university digital content and services, including:
- Public websites
- Password-protected websites
- Learning management systems and course content
- Web applications and portals
- Mobile applications
- Digital documents and media
- Third-party digital platforms used to deliver university services
Scope
This policy applies to all ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ:
- Colleges, departments, and administrative units
- Faculty and staff
- Student employees creating official content
- Contractors and vendors providing digital services or content
- Anyone authorized to publish digital content on behalf of the university
Roles & Responsibilities
Information Technology & Web Governance
University Information Technology Services and University Communications & Marketing are responsible for:
- Maintaining the institutional accessibility statement
- Establishing web accessibility standards and guidance
- Maintaining accessible web platforms and templates
- Conducting accessibility monitoring and testing
- Supporting remediation efforts
- Providing accessibility training and consultation
Colleges, Departments, & Content Owners
Units that create or manage digital content are responsible for:
- Ensuring their web pages, documents, and media meet WCAG 2.1 AA
- Remediating accessibility issues in their content
- Using approved accessible templates and tools
- Maintaining accessibility of third-party content they procure or deploy
University Leadership
University leadership establishes institutional accessibility priorities and ensures resources and support for compliance with federal and USG requirements.
Procurement & Vendors
All university procurement of digital technology or services must include accessibility requirements. Vendors providing digital products, platforms, or content must demonstrate conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA or provide an accessibility conformance report (VPAT).
Exceptions
Limited exceptions may apply consistent with federal regulations and USG guidance, including:
- Archived content maintained solely for reference
- Pre-existing documents not required for ongoing participation
- Third-party content not controlled by the university
- Individualized secured documents
When full accessibility is not technically possible, the university will provide an accessible alternative that offers equivalent information and functionality.
Monitoring & Enforcement
¾«¶«Ó°Òµ will:
- Conduct periodic accessibility reviews
- Prioritize remediation of high-impact barriers
- Track accessibility compliance progress
- Integrate accessibility into web governance processes
Units may be required to remediate inaccessible content that presents barriers to access or institutional risk.
Related Resources
- – A set of guidelines explaining how to make Web content accessible to those with disabilities.
- – The WAI develops standards and support materials to help you understand and implement accessibility.
- W3C Website Accessibility Initiative guidance on creating accessibility statements: .
- W3C WCAG 2.1 Level AA Interim Repairs: .
- W3C WCAG 2.1 Level AA Prioritizing Issues: .
- .
- – Georgia’s Accessible ICT Initiative