The University of Iowa has launched the Accessible Iowa: The Countdown to Digital Accessibility initiative to ensure that its digital content — ranging from websites and course materials to systems, services, and programs — meets the latest federal accessibility standards. This university-wide effort follows the U.S. Department of Justice’s updated rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires full compliance by April 24, 2026. 

The new law applies to all university websites, mobile applications, operational systems, and any digital materials shared with students, faculty, and staff, including academic content. Its broad scope means that nearly everyone on campus has a role in helping the university achieve its compliance goals. Beyond satisfying legal obligations, Accessible Iowa aligns with the university’s 2022—2027 Strategic Plan objectives to remove barriers that often affect students or employees with disabilities. 

The 5 Things You Must Do to Make an Accessible Document

Accessible documents help everyone succeed. Whether you're sharing a syllabus, memo, or event flyer, these five steps will make your documents usable by all: 

  1. Use Heading Styles: Use built-in styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) to organize content. This helps screen readers and makes scanning easier. 

  1. Add Alt Text to Images: Describe what the image shows or its purpose. If it’s decorative, mark it as such. 

  1. Use Descriptive Links: Instead of "Click here," use meaningful text like "Read the accessibility guide." 

  1. Ensure High Contrast: Text should stand out clearly from the background. Use tools like the Contrast Checker. 

  1. Run the Accessibility Checker: Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat have built-in tools to spot and fix issues. 

These small actions make a huge difference. 

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