Accessibility

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Last Updated: Jan 14, 2026, 11:46 AM

Keeping your website accessible to people with disabilities.

Accessibility is more than just checking a box, it’s about making sure everyone can access and benefit from our digital spaces. Whether someone is using a screen reader, keyboard navigation, or other assistive technology, our websites should work for them.

And here’s the key point: accessibility isn’t optional, it’s required.

  • The U.S. Department of Justice’s Title II rule, requires all state and local government entities, including public universities, to ensure that their websites and mobile apps are fully accessible to people with disabilities by April 24, 2026.
  • It is required by the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA) that all public university sites are accessible. In order to comply with the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility (IITAA), it is imperative that all websites related to SIU follow certain standards. IITAA Implementation Guidelines for Web-Based Information and Applications: doit.illinois.gov/initiatives/accessibility/guides/web.html

When online content is inaccessible, we’re putting up barriers that don’t just make things harder. They can actually block web users from getting the information they need. If the content isn’t built with accessibility in mind, those users are automatically at a disadvantage.  Whenever possible, avoid text inside graphics, or provide concise alternative text as a safeguard. Just like curb cuts and automatic doors help everyone, digital accessibility improves the online experience for all users. 

Make and keep your website accessible:

File Comparison at a Glance

Format Loads on All Devices Screen Reader Friendly No Download Required
HTML page ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Accessible PDF ⚠️ Mostly ⚠️ Depends on tagging ✅ Usually
Word (.docx) ❌ No ⚠️ Depends on app ❌ No

Preferred Content Formats for Accessibility

HTML web pages are the most accessible option for publishing content. They load reliably across devices, work consistently with screen readers and other assistive technologies, and do not require users to download or install additional software. For this reason, HTML is the required format for publishing accessible, public-facing content whenever possible.

Accessible PDFs may be appropriate in certain situations, but they require careful tagging and testing to ensure they are usable by all audiences. PDFs should be used only when a downloadable or fixed-format document is necessary. Any PDF published on the website must meet accessibility standards prior to posting.

Word documents are not a replacement for web content. Access to Microsoft Word or compatible software cannot be assumed for all users, and accessibility support varies depending on the device and application used to open the file. For this reason, Word documents must not be used as the sole method for accessing required or public-facing information. Word files may be used when an editable format is necessary, such as templates or internal working documents, but an accessible web-based version of the content must also be provided.

As a general rule:

  • Web pages (HTML) are the best format for publishing accessible, public-facing content.
  • PDFs may be used when a downloadable or fixed-layout format is necessary and must meet all accessibility requirements prior to publication.
  • Word documents may be used only when an editable format is required and must not be used as a substitute for accessible web content.

This approach helps ensure equitable access to information for all users and supports ongoing accessibility and Title II compliance.