Digital Accessibility

Accessibility Program

Overview

Digital accessibility is an ongoing organizational responsibility that requires more than individual efforts. Sustainable accessibility depends on governance, standards, processes, training, accountability, and continuous improvement.

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) is building an accessibility program that supports compliance with applicable accessibility requirements while helping ensure that digital information, services, and technologies are accessible to everyone.

This section provides information about the governance, policies, standards, and operational practices that support digital accessibility across UC ANR.

Program Areas

Governance

Learn how digital accessibility is coordinated across UC ANR and how responsibilities are shared among leadership, content creators, managers, technology owners, and other stakeholders.

Topics include:

  • Program oversight
  • Roles and accountability
  • Accessibility coordination
  • Decision-making processes
  • Organizational responsibilities

Policies & Standards

Review the policies, standards, guidelines, and references that inform accessibility expectations across UC ANR.

Topics include:

  • ADA Title II
  • UC IT Accessibility Policy (ITAP)
  • WCAG 2.1 Level AA
  • Accessibility standards and guidance

Procurement

Accessibility begins before technology is purchased or adopted.

Learn how accessibility considerations are incorporated into technology procurement and vendor evaluation processes.

Topics include:

  • Accessibility requirements for vendors
  • VPATs and Accessibility Conformance Reports
  • Procurement reviews
  • Third-party software and services
  • Accessibility risk management

Accessibility Is a Shared Responsibility

Accessibility is not owned by a single department or individual.

Successful accessibility programs depend on participation from:

  • Content creators
  • Website editors and site owners
  • Communications and marketing staff
  • Managers and supervisors
  • Project managers and project teams
  • Technology owners and system administrators
  • Procurement and purchasing staff
  • Leadership

Review Roles & Responsibilities to learn more about accessibility expectations for your role.

Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing practice rather than a one-time project.

As technology, standards, regulations, and organizational needs evolve, accessibility efforts must evolve as well.

UC ANR's accessibility program focuses on:

  • Building accessibility into everyday workflows
  • Providing training and support
  • Improving digital content and technology
  • Reducing accessibility barriers
  • Supporting long-term program maturity

Progress is achieved through consistent, incremental improvements across the organization.

Getting Started

If you are new to accessibility program concepts, consider reviewing:

These resources provide context to help you better understand the governance and operational information described in this section.