What is Digital Accessibility?
Digital accessibility refers to usability for individuals with disabilities that impact the way they perceive digital content. Digital content is any content delivered using technology including, but not limited to, websites, email, electronic documents, audio, video, and computer and mobile applications. Digital accessibility requires designing digital content and information to be usable to the widest audience possible.
Who is Responsible for Creating Accessible Digital Content?
Services, programs, and activities at public institutions like Ohio State must be accessible to people with disabilities under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This means that anyone — faculty, staff, or student — who creates or publishes digital content used to deliver information related to a program, service, or activity at Ohio State is responsible for making it accessible.
On April 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice released new ADA Title II regulations mandating that all web content and mobile applications offered by public entities, such as Ohio State, conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) level AA standards, with few exceptions, by April 24, 2026.
Required Digital Accessibility Trainings (new in 2025!)
To ensure an accessible environment at Ohio State, CFAES employees were assigned a Digital Accessibility Policy training through BuckeyeLearn. This University required, 40-minute class called Digital Accessibility Policy 2025 was assigned in June 2025 with a deadline completion date of December 31, 2025. The class defines digital accessibility and outlines how to plan and create accessible digital information and services.
Fast Track to Accessibility for Microsoft Office, a video-based accessibility skills class was also assigned through BuckeyeLearn in June 2025 with a deadline completion date of December 31, 2025. This class relays basic accessibility principles and how to apply these principles in Microsoft documents. Website content editors will receive additional classes and training. You can contact cfaes-accessibilty@osu.edu with questions about these trainings.
Ohio State Digital Accessibility Services
Digital Accessibility Services (das.osu.edu) provides resources and assistance to those producing digital content. Check out DAS resources for Producing Accessible Digital Content in Powerpoint, Word, and PDF.
Digital Accessibility Coordinators
Digital Accessibility Coordinators are appointed by their respective units to play a significant role in helping their units successfully implement the Digital Accessibility Policy. Coordinators for CFAES are:
- Kris Read - read.23@osu.edu
- Bonnie Vogelmeier - vogelmeier.5@osu.edu
Additional Reading and Resources
- Ohio State Minimum Digital Accessibility Standards
- ADA Title II Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments
- BuckeyeLearn: Training and Resources
- Ohio State Digital Accessibility Services: Hiring a Captioning Supplier
- University of Maryland: Six Essential Steps
Updated July 2, 2025