Dear Members of the Harvard Community,
Since the launch of the University’s Digital Accessibility Policy in 2019, members of the Harvard community have diligently worked to make public-facing web content accessible to people with disabilities. We write today to announce a revision and expansion of the Policy to ensure that members of our own community can teach, learn, work, and conduct research in an inclusive digital environment.
Specifically, effective June 1, 2023, all new digital content created and used internally at the University should aim to meet the same standards for accessibility as public-facing content. This includes websites and documents designed for internal use, course material on Canvas and other platforms, and web content protected by HarvardKey.
The revised Policy also extends to all Schools and Units the expectation that technology systems, platforms, and applications bought or built by the University should strive to meet the most recent web accessibility standards. More details of these changes can be found in a Harvard Gazette article.
Over the coming months, HUIT’s Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) and the University’s Digital Accessibility Liaison network will work with Schools and Units to provide resources and training for those who are responsible for creating and maintaining University websites and making technology purchases. DAS has more details about these Policy changes in FAQs and will host a special drop-in Q&A session on Thursday, April 13 in addition to regular virtual Office Hours and Policy trainings.
We are grateful for your hard work over the past few years making our public-facing content accessible. Thank you in advance for working to deliver these same standards to our own community.
Sincerely,
Alan M. Garber
Provost
Meredith L. Weenick
Executive Vice President
Klara Jelinkova
Vice President and University Chief Information Officer
Since the launch of the University’s Digital Accessibility Policy in 2019, members of the Harvard community have diligently worked to make public-facing web content accessible to people with disabilities. We write today to announce a revision and expansion of the Policy to ensure that members of our own community can teach, learn, work, and conduct research in an inclusive digital environment.
Specifically, effective June 1, 2023, all new digital content created and used internally at the University should aim to meet the same standards for accessibility as public-facing content. This includes websites and documents designed for internal use, course material on Canvas and other platforms, and web content protected by HarvardKey.
The revised Policy also extends to all Schools and Units the expectation that technology systems, platforms, and applications bought or built by the University should strive to meet the most recent web accessibility standards. More details of these changes can be found in a Harvard Gazette article.
Over the coming months, HUIT’s Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) and the University’s Digital Accessibility Liaison network will work with Schools and Units to provide resources and training for those who are responsible for creating and maintaining University websites and making technology purchases. DAS has more details about these Policy changes in FAQs and will host a special drop-in Q&A session on Thursday, April 13 in addition to regular virtual Office Hours and Policy trainings.
We are grateful for your hard work over the past few years making our public-facing content accessible. Thank you in advance for working to deliver these same standards to our own community.
Sincerely,
Alan M. Garber
Provost
Meredith L. Weenick
Executive Vice President
Klara Jelinkova
Vice President and University Chief Information Officer