Welcome to the Digital Accessibility Center

The Digital Accessibility Center (DAC) is a partnership between the ADA Coordinator’s Office, part of the Office of Institutional Equity and the Office of Student Life Disability Services. The Digital Accessibility Center provides support to campuses, colleges, and vice presidential units in the following areas:

• Evaluation of digital information and services for compliance with Ohio State’s Digital Accessibility Policy
• Investigation and resolution of complaints in consultation with the ADA Coordinator’s Office
• Training on accessible design and development practices
• Assistance in formation of exception requests and accommodation plans
• Advice and consultation on digital access strategies, purchasing controls, and training

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility is usability for people with disabilities. Making digital information and services such as documents, websites and web applications, mobile and desktop applications, and audio/video files usable to the widest audience as possible.

Why digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility isn’t just for people with disabilities. Designing content to be usable to people with disabilities can also bring benefits for everyone. Some of the most common place technology we use every day was originally designed to serve as assistive technology. For example, voice driven interfaces on smart phones had their early days in the role of assistive technology for individuals who are blind, low vision, and mobility impaired. Additionally, designing your digital information or service to be usable to people with disabilities also maximizes its ability to be consumed in multiple modalities and by current and future technology, including those designed to assist people with disabilities.

Aside from the benefits accessibility can bring to everyone, it is absolutely essential for others. The creation and dissemination of knowledge is a defining characteristic of universities and is fundamental to The Ohio State University’s mission. Ohio State is committed to diversity and a campus culture of full inclusion of people with disabilities. It is the policy of the university to ensure that all constituents can access our digital information and digital services.

Announcements

U.S. Departments of Justice and Education Issue Joint Letter Affirming Responsibility of Higher Education Institutions to Ensure Online Accessibility

On May 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Education jointly issued a “Dear Colleague Letter” reminding higher education institutions that their online services, programs, and activities must be accessible to people with disabilities under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Read the “Dear Colleague” letter (PDF)

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