Accessibility Task Force

What is Web Accessibility?

Accessibility is the principle that digital content can be accessed by users with various barriers to access, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological regardless of the device being used (e.g., visual browser, screen reader, mobile device).  

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) updated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), mandating that institutions like Siena University, ensure their digital content is accessible to individuals with disabilities by April 24, 2026. 

What is Digital Content

Digital content is defined as the information and experiences available on the web, like text, images, audio, videos and documents and the webpages and platforms that house them. If you can access content using your computer or smartphone, it’s digital content.

• Websites
• Mobile applications
• Digital documents
• Social Media Posts
• LMS systems – Canvas
• Physical format content - a paper form or a PDF form online

Maintaining Accessibility

Siena University is committed to compliance and to identifying and alleviating barriers to providing equitable access. Siena University supports the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) principles:

• Perceivable: All users should be able to perceive/access the content (see, hear, read).
• Operable: All users should be able to navigate through the content (keyboard-accessible, easy to navigate).
• Understandable: All users should be able to understand the content (text is readable, understandable, and functions predictable).
• Robust: All devices should be able to access this content (maximize compatibility with all tools).

What's Next?

These updates represent a significant step toward digital inclusivity, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to essential services and information. 
The Task Force will be addressing Siena's Digital content and will partnering with applicable community partners as needed.