The Department of Technology Equity and Inclusion (TEIN) is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive digital environment. We are also required to be in continual compliance with the federal and state disability laws. Therefore, all web content edits, including PDFs, must be accessible before publishing to the web.
DOJ’s Title II Digital Accessibility Rule
In April 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) published a new rule that all public entities must ensure their websites meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This ruling is effective April 2026 and includes all web content (webpages, PDFs, videos and images) that is updated and published after the date.
Web Services's Response
Generally, Chico State is in good shape to adopt and apply this new ruling. Our University has numerous processes already in place to put accessibility compliance at the forefront of branding, strategic initiatives, and governance policies. To further comply with this new ruling, Web Services will require all PDFs to be submitted through a Web Support ticket for remediation work and uploads to Cascade.
Submit a PDF Ticket with Web Services
If your site needs a new or revised PDF, please utilize our Web Support ticket so we can remediate the document and upload it to your site. Single or multiple PDFs can be added to your ticket using the attachment feature.
Adding Multiple PDFs to your Ticket
- Select the Browse button on the Web Support ticket. A pop-up window to your File Explorer will appear.
- While holding down the Shift key on your keyboard, select the PDFs that should be attached.
- Select Open.
PDFs that are 12 or more pages should be submitted through the Content Accessibility and Remediation ticket to ensure appropriate turnaround times.
PDFs for Cascade Workflows
Content Contributors utilize the Cascade Workflows to add edits to their site. They cannot utilize the Add Content feature in Cascade to upload a document. If a Content Contributor needs a PDF added to their site, they should submit a Web Support ticket with the PDF attached and a clear description of where the PDF should be placed. Content Contributors can also send the PDF to Web Services via email (webservices@csuchico.edu) in addition to clear instructions in the Workflow requests. It may be a cleaner experience to use the Web Support ticket for these types of requests.
The Importance of Accessibility
It's Our Legal Obligation
The university is required by law to take action to ensure content is accessible to all audiences, including those with visual impairments. Publishing non-accessible PDFs increases the risk of a lawsuit being filed against Chico State.
Promote Inclusivity and Equity
When digital content is accessible, usability increases for viewers of all abilities. Although digital accessibility greatly benefits users with disabilities, the inclusive design can also reach and aid users with:
- Differing technology platforms and mobile devices
- Second-language acquisition
Accessible documents also create a robust foundation of the content. Editors can make changes much more quickly and effortlessly.
Inclusive Design Benefits Everyone
Interested in broadening your understanding of inclusive design? Here are 3 video links that further explain the "why" behind inclusive design.
How the Blind Use Technology to See the World from TEDx talks.
Accessibility at Apple.