UC Merced is committed to ensuring that all digital content, technology, and services are accessible to people with disabilities. This commitment is grounded in federal civil rights law, UC systemwide policy, and our institutional values of equity and inclusion.
Why Digital Accessibility Matters: Legal & Policy Context
Our digital accessibility efforts are driven by a combination of federal regulations and UC systemwide policy. Recent updates to federal rules have established a multi-deadline framework for compliance.
| Deadline | Authority | Content Scope | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
April 24, 2026 |
UC Policy IMT-1300 / ongoing obligation | Archiving content, social media content, and all new digital content created on or after this date. | In Effect |
| May 11, 2026 | HHS Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act | Web content and digital materials subject to HHS funding obligations. | Primary Near-Term Driver |
| April 26, 2027 | ADA Title II (DOJ Final Rule) | Remaining legacy web content and mobile applications. | Extended Deadline |
Key Regulatory Drivers
HHS Section 504 (May 11, 2026): As a recipient of federal funding, UC Merced is subject to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web accessibility rules. The May 11, 2026 deadline remains the primary operative date for our program.
UC Policy IMT-1300 (Systemwide Commitment): The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) has affirmed that its internal IT Accessibility Policy (IMT-1300) remains in full effect with its original deadlines. The UC system maintains this timeline to ensure consistent progress and to meet the active HHS Section 504 obligations.
ADA Title II (April 26, 2027): While the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) extended the compliance deadline for legacy web content to 2027, this extension does not relieve the University of its obligations under Section 504 or UC Policy.
Quick Links: Find Your Role
| I am a... | Start here |
|---|---|
| Content Creator (web, documents, presentations) | Creating Content Checklists |
| Software Requestor (purchasing technology) | Procurement and Software |
| Faculty Member (teaching courses) | Instructional Accessibility |
| Department Head (managing a unit) | Frequently Asked Questions |
| Someone experiencing a barrier | Report a Barrier |
Compliance Framework
- Legal Foundation — ADA Title II, Section 508, WCAG 2.1 AA, and what they require
- Frequently Asked Questions — Common questions about accessibility requirements
Creating Accessible Content
UC Merced provides comprehensive guidance for creating accessible digital content:
Content Checklists
- Website Accessibility Checklist
- Document Accessibility Checklist
- Audio/Video Accessibility Checklist
- Presentation Accessibility Checklist
- Images and Graphics Accessibility Checklist
- Social Media Accessibility Checklist
- Email Campaign Accessibility Checklist
- Writing and Formatting Checklist
Tools and Resources
- SensusAccess — Convert documents to accessible formats
- YuJa Panorama — LMS accessibility scanning and remediation (integrated with Canvas)
- Siteimprove — Web accessibility monitoring (contact Digital Accessibility Coordinator)
Instructional Accessibility
For Faculty and Instructors
Faculty are responsible for the accessibility of course materials in Canvas and other learning platforms.
Key Resources:
- Accessibility for Teaching (Teaching Commons)
- YuJa Panorama Accessibility Scores — View your course accessibility status directly in Canvas
- Panorama Inline Remediation — Fix document accessibility issues without leaving the LMS
- SensusAccess — Student and faculty document conversion service
Training:
- Contact the Ed-Tech team for YuJa Panorama training
- Schedule a consultation with the Digital Accessibility Coordinator
Student Alternative Formats
Students can access course materials in alternative formats through YuJa Panorama:
- MP3 (audio)
- ePub (e-reader)
- Electronic Braille
- OCRed PDF (searchable)
Procurement and Software
Before You Purchase
Every software purchase must be evaluated for accessibility.
Key Steps:
- Request VPAT/ACR documentation from the vendor
- Submit for accessibility review via ServiceNow
- Complete EEAAP if software is not fully conformant
Get Help:
The OIT Digital Accessibility Coordinator (Tim Hohne) is available to discuss your concerns and answer your questions.
Please use one of the following methods to contact us so that we can maintain a trackable process:
Additional Resources:
Reporting and Support
Report an Accessibility Barrier
If you encounter digital content that is not accessible, report it:
- Online Form (preferred)
- Email: helpdesk@ucmerced.edu
Resources
UC Merced Digital Accessibility Resources
- Quick Keys to Digital Accessibility — Essential skills for getting started
- Converting Existing Documents to Accessible Formats — SensusAccess document conversion service
- Creating Content Checklists — Step-by-step guides for all content types
- Learning about Accessible Documents and Media — Training and tutorials
- Learning about Accessible Web Content — Web accessibility guidance
- Tools for Web Content Accessibility — Testing and evaluation tools
- Social Media Accessibility Links — Platform-specific guidance
UC Systemwide Resources
External Resources
UC Merced Office of Information Technology - Digital Accessibility Program
Last Updated: January 2026
