Clemson University’s commitment to an inclusive and accessible campus is central to the Clemson Elevate strategic plan. As part of this commitment, the University is taking steps to promote the adoption of standards defined by the new rule on the accessibility of web content and mobile apps, an update to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The rule defines a technical standard, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA, to help ensure digital content is accessible to people with disabilities. This standard is incorporated into Clemson’s digital accessibility policy and applies to all digital content and services, including websites, mobile apps, electronic documents, course materials, online marketing, email and social media. Clemson, along with other large public institutions, must meet these standards by April 24, 2026. Each department is responsible for its digital content.
General guidance
The University’s Digital Accessibility team has expanded resources, tools and hands-on support to assist faculty and staff in providing accessible content.
All employees who create or manage online content or electronic documents should:
- Familiarize yourself with digital accessibility fundamentals. The Digital Accessibility webpage provides an overview of the accessibility concepts and step-by-step guidance for creating accessible content.
- Review materials for accessibility. Prioritize high-impact content that is available to wider audiences (public content, large classes, etc.)
- Submit technology solutions, including software and third-party websites, to CheckIT for review.
- Register for upcoming digital accessibility trainings or contact the Digital Accessibility team to coordinate role-based training for your department.
Guidance for instructors
Those who teach or manage course content should take the following steps:
- Review the Clemson Online resources for course-specific guidance on creating accessible content.
- Refer to the Canvas Digital Accessibility guide for best practices and information on the Panorama LMS Accessibility Platform. Panorama is one of the fastest ways to identify and correct accessibility issues in your Canvas course.
- Include accessibility when selecting online textbooks and classroom software.
- Enroll in the self-paced COFFEE (Clemson Online Furthering Faculty Education and E-Learning) series on Accessibility.
Moving forward
Accessibility is a shared responsibility and an ongoing process, grounded in continuous improvement. Faculty and staff are encouraged to focus on steady progress, prioritizing high-impact content and taking meaningful steps to expand access to the Clemson community. Intentional accessibility practices create an environment where all students can access the No. 1 student experience and expand Clemson’s reach to transform lives across the state.
For support and more information, contact the Digital Accessibility team.
