AP 3730 Digital Accessibility
References:
RCC Online Learning Accessibility
ADA – New Rule on Web Content and Mobile Apps updated 2024
Overview:
Rogue Community College (RCC) is committed to providing equal access to information for students, faculty, staff, and the community, including individuals who experience disabilities, as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended), Section 508, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA, as amended), ADA Title II Web & Mobile Application Accessibility Rule (2024). RCC strives to proactively identify and remove barriers, ensuring access to its programs, services, and activities.
This procedure establishes specific standards for the Digital Accessibility Procedure to ensure compliance with applicable accreditation, federal regulations, and laws. Operational procedures support this procedure, ensuring accessibility for all RCC users, including students (Title II), faculty, staff, and the public.
Definitions:
Information and Technology:
Any hardware, software, digital and electronic applications, websites, documents, enterprise software, multimedia, audiovisual systems, communication devices, and any electronic or digital services that enable users to access, store, transmit, or manipulate information.
Equally Effective:
An alternative digital format that communicates the same information and provides comparable experience in a timely manner. For interactive applications or service pages, "equally effective" means the result (e.g., registration) is achieved in a comparable time with similar effort.
Technical Standards:
Web Standards:
All public web pages, websites, and web-based software published, hosted, or contracted by RCC (including remotely hosted sites and software) must comply with ADA Title II regulations, issued 2024 and effective April 2027. All RCC web pages must meet, at a minimum, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, WCAG 2.1 AA with limited exceptions. Where technically feasible, RCC webpages should link to the RCC Accessibility page, which includes a statement of commitment to web accessibility.
Software Standards:
All web-based software that is student facing must meet WCAG 2.1 AA. Non-web-based software that is student facing will follow the also follow WCAG 2.1 AA.
Hardware Standards:
Hardware should be operable by individuals with disabilities and compatible with assistive technologies. It must comply with Section 508 Standards for Electronic and Information Technology (updated January 2018) and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, where applicable.
Application of Standards:
Applications and Core Content (Required to meet standards):
Institutional websites and all digital applications and services used to conduct business must meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards or have an equally effective access plan.
Instructional Content (Required to meet standards):
Digital and electronic instructional materials, tools, and resources must meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards or have an equally effective access plan.
Non-business, Non-instructional (Recommended but not required):
Personal pages, archival materials, and student work should include an accessibility statement specifying how accommodation requests can be made.
Responsibilities:
Divisions, Departments, and Work Units:
Responsible for supporting RCC staff in obtaining training and technical support to ensure the accessibility of their digital content. They must also participate in efforts to document progress in increasing accessibility through program reviews and audits.
RCC Staff Responsible:
The CIO will determine and delegate IT staff responsible for reviewing accessibility standards, ensuring compliance, and providing training or technical support. Departments purchasing IT, educational software, or hardware must follow procedures established by Contract and Procurement and IT.
Requests for Exceptions:
Any division, department, or individual seeking an exception to this procedure must submit a written request to the Procurement and IT along with a recommendation for an equally effective alternative. If approved, the Accessibility Council will collaborate with the requested party to develop a compliance timeline or alternative solution.
Reporting Access Issues:
Accessibility concerns can be reported to the Digital Accessibility via the Report a Disability-Related Barrier form.
Rescinds Procedure Number: None.
Approved: May 12, 2026