As we prepare to kick off our 2026-2027 academic year, we’re excited to share some major updates we’ve been working on over the summer. Dive into this edition to learn more about the upcoming fall accessibility training schedule, a key policy reminder, and practical resources to help us create an accessible campus for all.

 

ETLC Training Reminder: Take Your Next Step with Mission Accessible  

Creating accessible digital content is a shared responsibility, but you do not have to figure it out alone.

Begin by completing your assigned Mission Accessible training in Canvas (opens a new tab). The role-based modules provide practical guidance for creating and improving accessible courses, documents, presentations, websites, videos, and digital communications.

Ready to put those skills into practice?

  • Register for the Mission Accessible Show & Do Series beginning in September. Each live session includes a brief explanation, a demonstration, and supported hands-on practice with common accessibility challenges. Bring your own course or digital materials and work alongside Enhanced Teaching & Learning Center (ETLC) staff. Visit the ETLC Mission Accessible webpage (opens a new tab) for session descriptions, dates, and registration.
  • You can also explore UAH’s growing collection of accessibility resources, including templates, checklists, tutorials, and decision tools designed to make accessible content creation easier.

Take your next steps today:

  • Complete your training
  • Attend a Show & Do sessions
  • Explore the resources
  • Ask for help when you need it

For accessibility assistance or help developing a practical plan, contact the ETLC at helpdesk@uah.edu. Together, we are creating pathways that let every Charger soar.

 

Digital Accessibility Toolkit Updates 

The Digital Accessibility Toolkit (opens a new tab) is now secured behind Single Sign-On (SSO) on the OIT portal. You must log in with your UAH credentials to view the Accessibility category and associated resources.

Why this change?

  • Moving our accessibility resources behind the campus login enhances security and allows us to create tailored resources for our campus community.

What do I need to do?

  • Next time you visit the toolkit, log in with your standard campus credentials.
  • We also recommend bookmarking our Accessibility Knowledge Base Articles (opens a new tab) for quick access.

 

University Digital Accessibility Policy  

We are committed to ensuring that our campus is welcoming, intuitive, and accessible to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

To support this commitment, we want to highlight key takeaways from our Digital Accessibility Policy (opens a new tab) and what it means to all of us.

  • Our Standard: UAH has adopted WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. All official web pages, digital documents (PDFs, documents, presentations), and multimedia must be structured for accessibility (including proper color contrast, alt text, screen-reader compatibility, and closed captions). Explore the WCAG 2.1 AA Standards (opens a new tab) to learn more.
  • Instructional Materials: Online course content and Canvas learning management system (LMS) materials must be accessible to all students from the moment they are delivered.
  • Purchasing & Software: All third-party software and vendors must be reviewed against the accessibility standards before we purchase or renew contracts. This is usually verified through a vendor’s Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
  • Shared Responsibility: Digital accessibility is a team effort. Take advantage of available training opportunities and resources to sharpen your skills. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Have a question about accessibility or notice a barrier? Let us know through the Accessibility Feedback & Reporting Form in Kuali (opens a new tab).

 

Now available! NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) 

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA), a free screen reader, is now available in Software Center for accessibility testing on UAH-owned Windows devices.

Important note: Before installing, please review the NVDA Knowledge Base Article (opens a new tab) to learn how to configure the tool and use its navigational commands. We recommend bookmarking or marking it as a favorite for quick reference.

Need Assistance with installation?
If you experience any issues with NVDA installation, contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT) at helpdesk@uah.edu.

 

Reminder: Training for Social Media Accountholders  

As we start a new semester, please help ensure your department remains compliant with UAH social media accessibility requirements. 

  • Have you completed your social media training? If you have access to a UAH-affiliated social media account, please complete the UAH Mission Accessible Social Media training in Canvas (opens a new tab) as soon as possible. 
  • Do you have new accountholders? Verify any new employees, student workers or other team members with access to UAH-affiliated social media accounts complete the training before managing UAH-affiliated channels. Email social@uah.edu to get them added to the Canvas course.

Questions? Contact social@uah.edu

 

Did you know?

With nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults (about 70 million people) reporting a disability, accessibility is a priority. Creating an accessible campus and digital space ensures full participation for our entire community.

 

Have Questions?

 

 

To submit an announcement, contact omc@uah.edu.
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