Summary
The Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA) is a cross-unit virtual office which organizes and coordinates the University’s efforts to support accessible and inclusive digital experiences for all who engage with the University’s services, programs, and activities.
Why Does Digital Accessibility Matter?
Digital accessibility is the practice of designing, creating, and sharing digital content so it can be used by everyone—including people with disabilities—in an equitable manner. Following digital accessibility best practices and adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 AA) helps to ensure that everyone, including disabled individuals, have equal access to webpages, software, mobile applications, documents, videos, and other electronic resources. Improving accessibility improves the user experience for everyone.
History of Digital Accessibility at UMN
Over the past several decades, the dedicated efforts of numerous passionate individuals have propelled the University of Minnesota towards a more accessible digital landscape. The creation of the ODA formalizes, builds upon, and expands these efforts.
2002
- The University of Minnesota is the second university in the country to develop a formal accessibility policy, titled Disability Resources (PDF).
- The University’s Web Design Update newsletter begins publication.
2010
The University launches the accessibility.umn.edu site.
2016
The University launches its next iteration of accessibility.umn.edu, which is called Accessible U.
2017
- Inclusive by Design for web developers is launched.
- The Digital Accessibility Community of Practice is formalized.
- The Accessibility Ambassadors group is founded.
- Report a Disability-Related Access Issue link is newly required in the footer of all University websites.
2018
- Starting in February, all uploads to the University’s Kaltura media management system receive auto-generated captions; our implementation includes a comprehensive process for editing those captions and paying for human-reviewed captions.
2019
- The Digital Accessibility Badging Program is launched.
- The Universal Design Online Content Inspection Tool (UDOIT) is acquired.
- The Accessible U site is redesigned for and launched using Drupal 8.
2020
- The Digital Accessibility Stakeholders Purchasing Playbook (Google Doc) is developed.
- The University begins hosting annual events to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day.
2022
The University first offers Pope Tech.
2023
The first accessibility course required for faculty and instructors at a university is launched, called Fundamentals of Disability Accommodations and Inclusive Course Design.
2024
A cross-unit virtual "Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA)" is established and the Accessible U website is renamed accordingly.