Preparing for the Title II Rule

Coordinating Efforts

The Accessible Technology office, in cooperation with IT and Educational Technology, has been taking proactive steps with institutional partners to ensure digital accessibility across College systems. Key initiatives completed or in progress through August 2024 include:

1. Campus-wide tools for assessing web content (SiteImprove, Ally, etc.).
2. Establishing the role of Accessible Technology Program Manager as the point person for the work.
3. Reviving the Accessible Technology Committee as the point committee for the work.
4. Assessing and updating campus-wide accessibility training.
5. Partnering with college leadership to drive efforts across the campus community.

Accessible Technology Program Manager

Michael Hanscom is the College’s Accessible Technology Program Manager and is available to answer specific questions. Michael can be reached at: mhanscom@highline.edu.

Highline College Accessible Technology Services

Accessible Technology provides resources and consultation to support units in creating accessible digital content. Get started on making content accessible today by exploring available tools for Canvas course content, videos, social media, websites, and documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this rule impact academic courses?

Course content is to be treated like any other web or mobile app content.

Does the new rule apply to web or mobile applications procured from third parties?

Yes. The new rule applies to all websites and mobile apps “that a public entity provides or makes available, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements,” subject to exceptions that are documented elsewhere on this web page. Steps must be taken during the procurement process to ensure third-party web and mobile apps meet accessibility requirements. For more information, see the Purchasing Technology page on the Highline Accessible Technology website.

How do I know if my website or web content meets WCAG standards?

Highline provides several tools for evaluating websites and content, including the SiteImprove automated website scanning system and the Ally accessibility tool incorporated into Canvas. Other tools and techniques will be made available as they are added to our toolkit.

What are the expectations of Highline staff and faculty in meeting this standard?

The new rule will require both College-wide and department/division efforts to ensure that web content and mobile apps comply with the technical standards. All owners, managers and creators of web and mobile app content will need to understand how to comply with the technical standard. More information, resources, deadlines and responsibilities will be made available starting Fall 2024.

What can I do proactively to ensure digital accessibility in my work now?

Highline College has existing resources to ensure that all technology can be used successfully by people with a wide range of disabilities. To learn more about making websites, documents, and videos accessible, please visit the Accessibility at Highline College website.

What documents does ‘conventional electronic documents’ entail?

The new rule defines conventional electronic documents as web content or content in mobile apps in the following electronic file formats: portable document formats (PDFs), word processor file formats, presentation file formats, and spreadsheet file formats. Examples of conventional electronic documents include Adobe PDF files, Microsoft Word and Google Docs files, Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides files, and Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets files.

What is the history surrounding federal regulations and digital accessibility?

Federal regulations and guidelines have played a crucial role in promoting digital accessibility and ensuring equal access to information for individuals with disabilities over the past decades. These include but are not limited to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Amendment Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act in 1998, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 1.0 in 1999. Despite these legislative milestones, ongoing efforts are needed to address evolving technologies and challenges in the digital world across various sectors.

To learn more, see the Level Access article Key Milestones in Website Accessibility Law.