ADA Title II Digital Accessibility Commitment

 

Virginia State University (College of Agriculture) 

 

ADA Title II Digital Accessibility Commitment 

Virginia State University College of Agriculture is committed to ensuring that its digital content is accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and to comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

If you have trouble accessing any content on this website or need materials in an alternative format, please let us know. We will make reasonable efforts to provide accessible alternatives in a timely manner. 

ADA Title II Digital Accessibility Overview 

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public universities to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to programs, services, and activities, including those offered through digital content and technology. 

Covered digital content includes, but is not limited to: 

  • University websites and subdomains 

  • Admissions, enrollment, and financial aid materials 

  • Online forms and applications 

  • Course catalogs and registration systems 

  • Instructional and informational videos, images, and audio 

  • PDFs and other digital documents 

  • University‑supported mobile applications and third‑party platforms 

Under the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Title II Final Rule issued in April 2024, digital content that is actively used must conform to established accessibility standards. 

Compliance Date and Applicability 

As a public institution of higher education with a population under 50,000, Virginia State University must comply with the DOJ Title II digital accessibility requirements no later than April 24, 2026. 

In alignment with these requirements: 

  • New digital content must be accessible at the time of publication. 

  • Existing digital content that is actively used must be remediated to meet accessibility standards by the compliance deadline. 

VSU recognizes that digital accessibility is an ongoing responsibility and will continue improving access beyond minimum compliance requirements. 

Accessibility Standards and Guidance 

VSU/COA strives to ensure that digital content conforms to the following standards and guidance: 

  • Universal Design principles, which support inclusive and usable design for all users 

These standards support access for individuals who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, captioning, and text alternatives. 

Scope of Covered Content and Exemptions 

These requirements apply to digital content that is created, maintained, or used by: 

  • University departments and offices 

  • Faculty and instructional staff 

  • Administrative and support units 

  • Contractors and third‑party vendors providing content, tools, or services on behalf of VSU 

Certain limited exemptions may apply under federal regulations, such as content that is no longer actively used, archived for record‑keeping purposes, or otherwise excluded under DOJ guidance. Determinations regarding exemptions are made in coordination with University compliance offices. 

Third‑Party Vendors and Procurement 

Virginia State University remains responsible for the accessibility of third‑party digital platforms and services used to provide information or services to students, employees, or the public. 

Vendors and contractors are expected to: 

  • Provide digital products that meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards 

  • Supply accessibility documentation (e.g., VPATs) when required 

  • Cooperate in remediation efforts when accessibility issues are identified 

Accessibility requirements are incorporated into procurement and vendor review processes whenever possible. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility at Virginia State University. 

  • University Leadership provides institutional direction and support. 

  • Compliance and Civil Rights Offices oversee ADA compliance and respond to accessibility concerns. 

  • Information Technology and Web Services support accessibility standards, testing, and technical remediation. 

  • Faculty and Content Creators are responsible for ensuring new content is accessible. 

  • Departments and Units are responsible for reviewing and remediating actively used content. 

  • Procurement and Vendor Management ensure that digital tools meet accessibility standards. 

Responsibilities may be further refined as accessibility governance and implementation processes continue to develop. 

Reporting a Digital Accessibility Barrier 

VSU/COA welcomes feedback regarding the accessibility of its digital content. 

If you encounter an accessibility barrier, please report it using one of the following: 

Email: 

Dr. Sylvia M. Berry, Civil Rights Compliance Email: sberry@vsu.edu 

Phone: (804) 892-5397  

VSU Accessibility or Civil Rights Office Kimberly Smith, Director of EEO 

Email: kfsmith@vsu.edu 

Phone: (804) 524-2508 

When reporting an issue, please include: 

  • The web address (URL) or description of the content 

  • A brief description of the accessibility concern 

  • Your contact information (optional) 

VSU/COA will make reasonable efforts to respond promptly and provide accessible alternatives when necessary. 

Training and Support Resources 

VSU/COA is committed to increasing accessibility awareness and supporting employees through training and guidance. Resources may include: 

  • Web and document accessibility guidance 

  • Captioning and multimedia accessibility support 

  • Accessibility testing tools and assistance 

  • Ongoing education for faculty and staff 

University accessibility resources and training information will be linked here once finalized. (Insert VSU accessibility resource page link) I need this from Kim. 

 

Continuous Improvement and Institutional Commitment 

Digital accessibility is an ongoing institutional responsibility. Virginia State University College of Agriculture will continue to evaluate and improve digital content, tools, and services as technologies evolve and accessibility standards are updated. 

Through coordinated efforts across leadership, compliance, technology, and content creators, VSU remains committed to inclusive access and equitable participation for all members of the university community. 

 

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