Digital Accessibility

Commitment

Accessibility is one of Western Oregon University’s stated core values. At WOU, we work to ensure inclusivity and eliminate barriers in our physical, social, and learning environments. We are dedicated to continuous improvement so that every member of our community can engage, contribute, and succeed. Acknowledging this value, the University is committed to ensuring equal access to information for all its constituencies. This commitment to digital accessibility is everyone’s responsibility.

Compliance

The Human Resources Department is responsible for overseeing and enforcing the University’s Digital Accessibility Policy, as well as compliance with the 2026 Updated Department of Justice digital content accessibility standards.

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA

2026 Updated Department of Justice Standards

Western Oregon University is committed to ensuring that all instructional materials and digital content are accessible to every student. In April 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a revised ruling under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requiring that all student-facing web and digital content be accessible. The new standards are designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not excluded from participating in, or denied the benefits of, services, programs, and activities of public entities. Western Oregon University must comply with these requirements by April 24, 2026. 

This change requires that all state and local government entities, including public universities, ensure that digital content, like web content, applications, and mobile applications, are accessible for people with disabilities, using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as the technical standard.

For more information on the law, please review:

• New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments.