For both legal reasons and effectively meet the teaching and learning missions of our institutions, accessibility must be considered and planned for during the website creation process. Online services should also be reviewed for accessibility to ensure all users are able to complete required actions.
Recommended Actions:
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Establish a policy statement about services for library users with disabilities.
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Add a page to the website that promotes the library as an accessible, supportive using inclusive, person-first language, such as “accessibility services” rather than “disability services,” and “students with disabilities” rather than “disabled students.”
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Before publishing your page, check it for compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, by using a page checking tool such as those in the "Recommended Tools" section of this page.
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Collaborate with your local campus disability and accessibility support services, to create and maintain website content. Additional services may be identified and links to other campus support services may be appropriate for inclusion on the library page.
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Identify an individual to serve as the official point of contact for library users needing help.
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Identify services that the library offers specifically for users with disabilities. Include services using the social model as a framework, such as family friendly/gender neutral restrooms, off-campus access, and chat reference, which support patrons with a wide variety of accessibility needs.
The recommendations above are based on those identified in this publication:
