Digital Accessibility Policy

Title

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Digital Accessibility Policy

Introduction

Purpose

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ("UNC-Chapel Hill" or "University") is committed to equity and a welcoming digital experience.

Following this policy will make the digital material the University provides equal to access for everyone, regardless of ability or disability.

Scope

This policy applies to everyone at the University who makes, gets, or shares digital material for the University. This includes third-parties doing work for the University. This policy applies to all university digital material, whether it faces the public, or requires a log-in. Examples include:

  • Websites;
  • Video and audio content;
  • Electronic documents;
  • Desktop, mobile, and cloud-based software applications;
  • Content and learning management systems;
  • Tools and platforms;
  • Email and calendars;
  • Library resources;
  • Social media;
  • Products for digital research; and
  • Digital content and materials used in a course.

Policy

Policy Statement

The University is committed to giving everyone the chance to succeed. Everyone should be able to take part in a welcoming environment. Accessibility allows the University to deliver an inclusive digital experience and material that is usable for everyone. The University will follow federal and state law accessibility requirements. Basic requirements are defined in:

All University units are responsible for complying with this policy and related standards. This includes digital material they create, buy, or maintain. 

The nature or purpose of the digital material may make it difficult or have unreasonably high time, staff, or financial costs to conform to the standards. (It may be more expensive to follow the standards, but you must provide accessible content.)

See the Accessibility of Digital Content and Materials Standard for help.

Definitions

  • Accessible: Able to be used by anyone, including people with disabilities, with or without assistive technology.
  • Digital Content and Materials (Digital Content, Resources, and/or Technology): Information, products, and services available for download or distribution electronically, or on a web page or computer application.
  • University Business: Activities carried out on behalf of UNC-Chapel Hill. University Business does not include activities organized or done by students unless the University has asked them to act on behalf of the University. Activity by student organizations is not University Business.
  • University Constituents: UNC-Chapel Hill faculty, staff, students, retirees, and other affiliates, contractors, distance learners, visiting scholars, and others who use or access UNC-Chapel Hill resources.
  • Usability: How well people can use digital material to achieve their goals and are satisfied with the experience.

Related Requirements

Failure to follow this policy may put University information assets at risk and may have disciplinary consequences for employees, up to and including termination of employment. Contractors, vendors, and others who don’t follow this policy may face termination of their business relationships with UNC-Chapel Hill.

Violation of this policy may lead to civil or criminal penalties. 

External Regulations and Consequences

University Policies, Standards, and Procedures

Contact Information

Policy Contacts

ITS Policy Office

  • Unit: Office of the Vice Chancellor for IT and CIO
  • Email: IT_Policies@unc.edu
  • Online: help.unc.edu (service request)

Digital Accessibility Office

  • Unit: Office of the Vice Chancellor for IT and CIO
  • Email: digital_accessibility@unc.edu
  • Online: help.unc.edu (service request)

Other Contacts

  • UNC Digital Accessibility Office's "Report a Digital Accessibility Issue" webpage.
  • 919-962-HELP
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Details

Article ID: 131331
Created
Thu 4/8/21 9:06 PM
Modified
Thu 12/14/23 12:07 PM
Effective Date
If the date on which this document became/becomes enforceable differs from the Origination or Last Revision, this attribute reflects the date on which it is/was enforcable.
12/07/2020 2:14 PM
Issuing Officer
Name of the document Issuing Officer. This is the individual whose organizational authority covers the policy scope and who is primarily responsible for the policy.
Issuing Officer Title
Title of the person who is primarily responsible for issuing this policy.
Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Last Review
Date on which the most recent document review was completed.
12/13/2023 12:00 AM
Last Revised
Date on which the most recent changes to this document were approved.
12/17/2019 12:53 PM
Next Review
Date on which the next document review is due.
12/13/2026 12:00 AM
Origination
Date on which the original version of this document was first made official.
12/17/2019 12:53 PM
Responsible Unit
School, Department, or other organizational unit issuing this document.
Digital Accessibility Office

Related Articles (2)

Accessibility of Digital Content and Materials Standard
This Standard sets out the minimum requirements for creating accessible Digital Content, Resources, and Technology (“Digital Material”) to advance the University’s commitment to providing equitable access in compliance with the University Policy on Digital Accessibility. Accessibility is a shared responsibility among those who maintain University Digital Material.
Accessibility Standards for Procurement of Digital Content and Materials
This Standard provides requirements for the procurement of accessible Digital Content, Resources, and Technology (“Digital Material”). Implementing this standard will ensure that all individuals have access to Digital Material purchased by or on behalf of the University in compliance with the Policy on Digital Accessibility and with governing law.