As our institution continues its multi‑year effort to modernize websites and strengthen digital accessibility, website managers play a central role in ensuring that our digital presence is usable, inclusive and compliant with federal requirements. The work ahead involves both the technical migration to new platforms and the ongoing responsibility of maintaining accessible content. This resource provides an overview of what to expect, what is required and how to prepare for migration.
For guides, checklists and training resources, visit accessibility.appstate.edu.
Accessibility in the New Website Platforms
The platforms used in the website migration are built with accessibility by default, meaning the underlying structure follows Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. This ensures that the technical foundation of each migrated site meets compliance expectations.
However, accessibility is not a one‑time setting. While the platform provides a compliant framework, content creators must ensure that the materials they add — documents, images, videos, forms and text — also meet accessibility standards. This includes:
PDFs, PowerPoints and other linked files
Web forms and embedded tools
New pages and updates published after migration
The platform sets the stage, but content decisions determine the user experience.
Understanding the April 24, 2026 Accessibility Deadline
A strategic plan guides the migration process, but not all websites will be migrated by the April 24, 2026 accessibility milestone.
The April deadline serves as a commitment marker — a reminder of our shared responsibility to improve accessibility across all digital resources. While waiting for migration, website managers should focus on:
Reviewing and remediating existing documents
Cleaning up outdated or unused content
Ensuring new content meets accessibility standards
This preparatory work is part of ongoing compliance and will make the eventual migration smoother and more efficient. The emphasis is on steady progress, not perfection by a single date.
Accessibility Requirements for Internal Resources
Accessibility requirements extend beyond public‑facing websites. Any digital resource that is actively used — especially for training, advising or employee onboarding — must be accessible to all users.
Archived materials or resources not available online may not require remediation, but anything considered “live” or in active use must meet accessibility standards. This ensures equitable access for all audiences.
Tools and Resources to Support Your Work
To help website managers evaluate their content and make informed decisions, a suite of tools is available at accessibility.appstate.edu:
Digital Material Accessibility Checklist
A guide for drafting new content correctly from the start, including headings, descriptive links, alt text and other core requirements.
Document Remediation Decision Path
A workflow that helps determine whether a file should be updated, converted to a webpage, archived or deleted — saving time and reducing unnecessary remediation work.
Digital Accessibility Toolkit
A collection of specialized software, file‑conversion tools and how‑to articles designed to support document remediation and accessible content creation.
These tools are designed to simplify the process and help you make consistent, informed decisions.
Why Accessibility Scores Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Automated accessibility tools can be helpful, but their scores do not fully reflect the usability of your content. A high score does not guarantee that someone using assistive technology can navigate your site effectively.
Instead of focusing on percentages, prioritize eliminating high‑impact barriers, such as:
Insufficient color contrast
Missing or inaccurate alt text
Incorrect heading structure
Illogical reading order
Accessibility is ultimately measured by human experience, not automated metrics.
The Time Investment Is Worth It — and Required
Remediating documents and improving digital content can take time, but this work is not optional. Digital accessibility is a federal requirement under Policy 909: Digital Accessibility and federal regulations, including Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Every unit across campus is participating in this effort. By ensuring your content is accessible, you’re helping create an environment where every member of our community can access the information they need to succeed.
This is compliance work, but it’s also equity work.
A Shared Responsibility Across Campus
While accessibility is a shared institutional responsibility, website and content managers are the primary stewards of the materials they publish. Your role includes:
Ensuring new content meets accessibility standards
Reviewing and updating existing materials
Using available tools to maintain compliance
UCOMM and the Digital Accessibility Team are here to support you with audits, guidance and training — but accessibility begins with the people who create and manage content every day.