Digital Accessibility

Elon University is committed to providing digital content that is accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. Digital accessibility applies to websites, instructional materials, document, emails and other online content used across the university.

To support this work, the Office of University Communications maintains the Accessibility Toolkit, which provides practical guidance, example and best practices for creating accessible digital content.

Website Accessibility

University websites must be designed and maintained to meet accessibility standards so that content is usable by individuals who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers or keyboard navigation.

Website accessibility includes considerations such as:

  • Proper use of headings and page structure
  • Accessible images and alternative text
  • Meaningful links and clear navigation
  • Color contrast and readable text
  • Accessible multimedia content

All University website developers and content editors are responsible for seeking compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Please refer to the Website Accessibility section of our Accessibility Toolkit for more information.

Report a Website Accessibility Issue

Course Accessibility

Courses offered by Elon University should be accessible to all students, including those who use assistive technologies or require alternative formats.

Course accessibility may include:

  • Accessible course materials and documents
  • Captioned videos and accessible multimedia
  • Clear structure and organization in learning platforms
  • Consideration of accessibility when selecting third-party tools

Faculty and instructional staff should consult with Teaching and Learning Technologies to ensure accessibility of online course materials such as Moodle. Faculty can learn more about accessibility in Moodle in the IT Knowledge-baser by visiting the Moodle Accessibility Toolkit for Instructors.

Report a Course-Related Digital Accessibility Issue

Document Accessibility

When posting digital documents and files on publicly facing websites, it is important that these documents are fully accessible at the same level required for websites. Therefore, using webpages to post all content is highly recommended. If a downloadable file is necessary, it is the responsibility of the content creator to ensure the file is fully accessible. The same applies for documents, PDFs and graphics being sent via email.

Our Accessibility Toolkit provides guidance for PDF Accessibility, including when documents should be converted to webpages, how to avoid common accessibility issues and what steps are required when documents do not meet accessibility standards.

Below are additional resources that can help:

Acrobat PDF accessibility checker (free)

Accessible PDF, Inc. (paid remediation service; faculty and staff only. Contact jhowcroft@accpdf.com for a quote.)

Elon and National Campus Resources

Student Accommodations

The Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility provides support to a diverse population of students with disabilities, providing them with appropriate and equal access to the University’s curricula, buildings, programs, and other services.

Employee Accommodations

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities act, the Office of Human Resources facilitates reasonable accommodation needs for employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential duties of their position.

Prospective Employee and Guest Accommodations

Elon University is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff and student body and welcomes all applicants. If you need an accommodation to participate in the employment application or University event, please contact the Office of Civil Rights and Compliance at 336-278-5560 or email at compliance@elon.edu.

Elon Community Accessibility Network

In Spring 2020, President Dr. Connie Book approved the creation of the Elon Community Accessibility Network (ECAN), establishing a strategic partnership between Elon University and the Town of Elon in their endeavor to advance policies and practices that lead to greater access, equity and treatment for a truer shared community. Building on the work of the university’s Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility and Advocates for Diversity and Accessibility, ECAN’s work spans three areas: education and training, compliance and advocacy.

Procedures for Dispute/Grievance Resolution

Individuals with disabilities who believe they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of a disability, including any person who has requested an accommodation but whose request is not granted, may file a grievance according to this policy. Students’ grievances will be heard in accordance with the process outlined below. The University prohibits any retaliatory actions toward students as a result of filing a grievance or for participating in any manner in the investigation of a grievance.