These guidelines outline procedures for complying with the ASU IT Accessibility Standard. (To learn how to create accessible content or fix accessibility problems, see the Guidelines section of this site.)
As of Dec. 31, 2021, all new and redesigned web sites, applications and digital content must comply with the current WCAG, level AA. Existing web sites, applications and digital content will be remediated as time and resources allow, with high-risk web sites, applications and digital content being given higher priority. Faculty and staff who maintain existing web sites, applications and digital content are responsible for ensuring that the remediation occurs in a timely manner, consistent with this standard. High-risk web sites, applications and digital content are identified as those for which one of the following apply:
For web sites, applications and digital content where it is not possible or feasible to meet the current WCAG level AA guidelines, ASU site owners or departments may ask their dean or department head for an exemption from the standard. Permissible exemptions include web sites, applications and digital content that meet one or more of the following criteria:
All ASU webpages and applications should carry a “Report an IT Accessibility Problem” link in the header, directly after the “Skip to Main Content” link. The link should be visible to assistive technology and have a destination of https://accessibility.asu.edu/report.
Complaints about ASU web sites, applications and digital content will be forwarded to the department or unit's Distributed Technology (DT) lead, who will coordinate with site/application owners and developers and help track resolution progress.
Faculty and staff responsible for procuring information technology (IT) products should consider accessibility as one of the criteria for acquisition. Often, acquiring a verified Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) or verified Accessibility Compliance Report (ACR) from the supplier will satisfy that requirement. To assist with accessible university purchases, see Working with vendors and VPATs.
In addition, ASU's standard contract terms and conditions contain the following:
12. Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act. To the extent applicable, Supplier will comply with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all applicable federal regulations, as amended from time to time (ADA Laws). All electronic and information technology and products and services to be used by ASU faculty/staff, students, program participants, or other ASU constituencies must be compliant with ADA Laws. Compliance means that a disabled person can acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a nondisabled person, in an equally effective and integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use.
If the vendor objects to the above language in the standard ASU contract, or if the vendor is unable or unwilling to supply a VPAT or comparable accessibility statement, look for another product that is accessible and meets your needs.
If that is not possible, contact your dean or department head or your Distributed Technology Lead or other IT technical representative to alert them to the potential need for an exemption from the standard. If the product qualifies for an exemption and is purchased, the department should ask the vendor for both:
It is the department's responsibility to ensure that vendors follow through on commitments involving accessibility and to supply alternative accommodations when necessary.
To assist faculty and staff in meeting the responsibilities described in these guidelines, ASU provides accessibility information and best practices on this website. In addition, these resources are available to everyone at ASU:
