Digital Accessibility Compliance
Building accessible digital experiences for students, employees, and the community.
Digital accessibility ensures that everyone – including but not limited to people with disabilities – can access the information, services, and educational resources we provide online.
Beginning April 26, 2027, Sacramento City College must ensure its web content meets specific accessibility standards for digital content under the US Department of Justice ADA Title II web and mobile accessibility rule.
To meet this requirement, SCC is implementing an organization-wide accessibility strategy to improve existing content and ensure new content is accessible from the start.
What This Means
Accessibility requirements apply nearly all digital content created or published on behalf of Los Rios.
What Counts as Digital Content
- Websites
- PDFs
- Documents (such as Word and PowerPoint)
- Online forms
- Videos
- Mobile applications
- Student services
- Course materials
- Third-party content we publish
Technical Standard: WCAG 2.1, Level AA
All digital content must comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, which is the internationally-recognized standard for accessibility. It includes (but is not limited to) the following:
- Text alternatives for images and non-text content
- Keyboard navigability
- Sufficient color contrast
- Mobile responsiveness
- Touch target accessibility
Exceptions
The accessibility rule recognizes limited exceptions. Even where exceptions apply, SCC must provide equal access upon request.
Content that may fall under an exception includes archived documents that are clearly labeled as archived, stored in a separate archive location, and kept only for reference or recordkeeping purposes.
However, the majority of content, media, and tools are not covered by these exceptions and must be accessible. When in doubt, plan to remediate or replace materials, or consult with the communications and web team.
Our Accessibility Strategy
Digital accessibility is not solely the responsibility of the communications, web, or information technology teams. Everyone who creates, approves, publishes, or maintains digital content plays a role – and that includes content owners and experts. The following outlines our accessibility strategy to improve existing content.
Inventory
First, we must identify websites, documents, forms, videos, and applications that require review.
Prioritize
Next, we have to focus first on high-impact student services and frequently used content.
Improve
Using the resources, tool, and knowledge we have, we will correct accessibility barriers and convert content to more accessible formats when appropriate.
Govern
Lastly, we'll establish organizational standards and publishing practices that prevent new accessibility issues from being introduced.
Converting to Web Content: Guidance for Common Scenarios
If you're reading this page, chances are you've been contacted by the communications and web team regarding content you own that needs review. Use the following guidance to understand how best to remediate different types of content.
Informational Documents
Informational content provides guidance, instructions, or reference information intended to help users learn, understand, or complete a task. It does not collect information from users, serve as an official legal record, or require fixed formatting.
Whenever practical, informational content should be published as web content (HTML) rather than as a PDF or other type of document.
Examples: guides, handbooks, brochures, FAQs, instructional materials, reference documents, checklists, and how-to resources.
Forms and Information Collection
Forms collect information from users and initiate a business process or workflow. Unlike informational content, digital forms are intended to be completed and submitted, not simply read.
Whenever practical, forms should be implemented as accessible web forms rather than downloadable PDFs (even if they are fillable).
Examples: applications, requests, petitions, appeals, registrations, surveys, and intake forms.
Official Records and Legal Documents
Official records and legal documents establish, record, or preserve official/legal business, obligations, or actions. These documents may be subject to records retention requirements and may require fixed formatting to preserve their official nature.
This type of content should be published as an accessible PDF, or as HTML with an accompanying official PDF.
Examples: agendas, minutes, resolutions, contracts, MOUs, policies, regulations, and public hearing materials.
Why Accessibility Compliance Matters
It Serves Our Community
Roughly one in four adults in the US has a disability. Many rely on assistive technology to interact with digital services, including:
- Screen readers
- Captioning
- Keyboard navigation
When we proactively make our content accessible, we:
- Remove barriers to public information and services
- Build inclusive digital environments that serve everyone
- Improve usability for all users, not just those with disabilities
It's the Law
Accessibility compliance is a legal requirement under the ADA. Non-compliance may result in:
- Federal investigations by the DOJ
- Legal complaints from users or advocacy organizations
- Costly litigation, settlements, or consent decrees
It Protects Us
By aligning with WCAG 2.1 AA:
- We reduce legal liability
- Show commitment to equity and compliance
- Future-proof our digital infrastructure for broader inclusion
Why Accessibility Compliance Matters
It Serves Our Community
Roughly one in four adults in the US has a disability. Many rely on assistive technology to interact with digital services, including:
- Screen readers
- Captioning
- Keyboard navigation
When we proactively make our content accessible, we:
- Remove barriers to public information and services
- Build inclusive digital environments that serve everyone
- Improve usability for all users, not just those with disabilities
It's the Law
Accessibility compliance is a legal requirement under the ADA. Non-compliance may result in:
- Federal investigations by the DOJ
- Legal complaints from users or advocacy organizations
- Costly litigation, settlements, or consent decrees
It Protects Us
By aligning with WCAG 2.1 AA:
- We reduce legal liability
- Show commitment to equity and compliance
- Future-proof our digital infrastructure for broader inclusion