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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Strategic Communications and Marketing
Brand Guidelines

Web Accessibility

As a public institution, every university website and application must adhere to accessibility standards and best practices.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a responsibility to deliver quality user
experiences to all members of our community.

Every university website and application must adhere to the university’s accessibility standards, which are set by the requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2 Level A and AA. All public universities in the U.S. must meet Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (20 U.S.C. §794d).

The university must be a leader in providing accessible experiences for all users. Websites and
other communication technology must be usable by individuals with disabilities in the following
modalities:

  • Without vision or with limited vision, where a visual mode of operation is provided. 
  • Without perception of color, where a visual mode of operation is provided.
  • Without hearing or with limited hearing, where an audible mode of operation is provided. 
  • Without speech, where speech is used for input, control or operation. 
  • With limited manipulation, reach and strength, where a manual mode of operation is provided. 
  • With limited language, cognitive and learning abilities; making the operation of the information and communication technology easier for individuals with limited cognitive, language and learning abilities. 

Entities in Illinois must also meet the requirements of the Information Technology Accessibility Act. The IITAA has been fully harmonized with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, so meeting the requirements of one will also meet the requirements of the other. 

Accessibility Resources for Compliance 

WebAIM offers various tools and assistance in ensuring that web content is accessible to people with disabilities. Additionally, the University of Illinois IT accessibility liaison group outlines many tools and tips you can follow. For example, learn more about Skipto Landmarks and Headings, an accessibility tool for webpage navigation.

Use browser developer tools to test code, accessibility, color contrast and more. Also, ensure people can navigate your website entirely through their keyboard.

To further ensure accessibility for all visitors to your site, use these checklists:

Accessibility requirements can change, so be sure to check your website accessibility frequently.