Overview
This page provides answers to common questions about digital accessibility at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR).
If you do not find the information you are looking for, visit Request Assistance or Contact Us.
General Accessibility Questions
What is digital accessibility?
Digital accessibility ensures that websites, documents, videos, software, and other digital content can be accessed and used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.
Accessibility benefits everyone by improving usability, readability, and access to information.
Why is accessibility important?
Accessibility helps ensure that people with disabilities can independently access information, services, and programs.
It also improves usability for many other users, including people using mobile devices, captions, screen magnifiers, voice recognition software, and assistive technologies.
Who is responsible for accessibility?
Accessibility is a shared responsibility across UC ANR.
People who create, publish, manage, purchase, maintain, or approve digital content and technology all play a role in supporting accessibility.
For more information, review Roles & Responsibilities.
Does accessibility only apply to websites?
No.
Accessibility requirements apply to many types of digital content and technology, including:
- Websites
- Documents and PDFs
- Presentations
- Videos
- Email communications
- Social media content
- Online forms
- Mobile applications
- Software and digital services
ADA Title II & Compliance Questions
What is ADA Title II?
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by state and local government entities, including public institutions of higher education.
Digital accessibility is one way organizations meet these obligations.
Review ADA Title II & UC Requirements for additional information.
What accessibility standard applies to UC ANR?
UC ANR's target accessibility standard is Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
WCAG provides internationally recognized requirements and best practices for digital accessibility.
Does all content need to be accessible?
In general, accessibility should be built into digital content and technology.
Certain limited exceptions may apply in specific situations, such as qualifying archived content, but exceptions are narrowly defined and should not be assumed to apply without review.
What is archived content?
Archived content generally refers to content retained exclusively for reference, research, or recordkeeping purposes and that meets specific criteria established by applicable regulations and guidance.
Questions regarding archived content should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Review Policies & Standards for additional information.
Content Creation Questions
Where should I start if I am new to accessibility?
Begin with:
These resources provide a foundation for understanding accessibility concepts, requirements, and expectations.
What is alternative text?
Alternative text (alt text) is a text description of an image that can be read by assistive technologies such as screen readers.
Alternative text helps ensure that users who cannot see an image can still access its meaning and purpose.
For additional guidance, review Images & Graphics.
Do all images need alternative text?
Not necessarily.
Informative images generally need alternative text. Decorative images usually do not require descriptive alternative text.
The appropriate approach depends on the purpose of the image and how it is being used.
Why can't I just use color to communicate information?
Not everyone perceives color the same way.
Information should remain understandable without relying solely on color.
Use labels, icons, text, patterns, or other indicators in addition to color.
For additional guidance, review Color & Visual Design.
Do videos need captions?
Yes.
Captions help ensure that spoken content is accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing and provide benefits for many other users as well.
Review Video & Multimedia.
Do documents and PDFs need to be accessible?
Yes.
Documents and PDFs should be structured so they can be accessed and interpreted by assistive technologies.
Review Documents & PDFs.
Are accessible PDFs required if the original Word document is accessible?
Yes.
Making the source document accessible is an important first step, but the PDF should also be reviewed to ensure accessibility features are preserved during the export process.
Do social media posts need to be accessible?
Yes.
Accessibility considerations apply to social media content, including images, video content, hashtags, and text-based communications.
Review Social Media Accessibility.
How do I know if my content is accessible?
Use available accessibility tools, review applicable guidance, and perform manual testing when appropriate.
For most content creators, accessibility checkers, color contrast tools, and content-specific guidance can help identify common issues. Human review remains an important part of accessibility evaluation.
Review Tools.
Technology & Procurement Questions
What is a VPAT?
A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a document format used to report how a product supports accessibility standards.
An Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is the completed report produced using a VPAT template.
Review Procurement.
Does a VPAT guarantee that a product is accessible?
No.
A VPAT provides useful information, but it should be evaluated carefully and considered alongside additional testing, review, and risk assessment activities.
Do accessibility requirements apply to free or no-cost software?
Often, yes.
Accessibility considerations may apply regardless of whether software is purchased, licensed, or provided at no cost.
Review Procurement.
Support Questions
What should I do if I discover an accessibility issue?
Accessibility issues should be addressed as soon as practical.
If you need assistance evaluating or resolving an issue, visit Request Assistance.
What if I am not sure whether something is accessible?
Ask.
Accessibility can be complex, and support is available.
Visit Request Assistance or Contact Us for guidance.
Is an accessibility review required before publishing content?
Accessibility should be incorporated into normal content creation and publishing processes whenever possible.
Reviewing content before publication helps identify and address issues early.
Where can I find training and resources?
Visit:
These resources provide guidance, learning opportunities, and practical materials to support accessibility work.
Still Have Questions?
Digital accessibility is a broad and evolving topic, and not every question can be covered here.
If you need additional guidance, visit Help & Support to request assistance, report an issue, or connect with accessibility resources available through UC ANR.