MinerAlert
MinerAlert
The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to ensuring that every Miner can access and benefit from digital information, programs, and services.
New federal requirements under ADA Title II require public institutions to ensure that web content and mobile applications meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards by April 24, 2026. This includes university websites, applications, and digital course materials such as Blackboard content.
Ensuring accessibility is a shared responsibility across campus for anyone who creates or manages digital content.
Accessible digital materials help ensure that all students — including those using assistive technologies — can fully participate in learning and university life.
Simple steps—like captions, alt text, and clear structure—can make a difference.
Jump to:
The U.S. Department of Justice updated ADA Title II regulations requiring state and local government institutions—including public universities—to ensure that digital content is accessible.
Beginning April 24, 2026, UTEP must ensure that:
meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.
Meeting this requirement requires collaboration across campus by everyone who creates digital content.
To prepare for the Title II compliance deadline:
Accessibility is most effective when it becomes part of everyday content creation practices.
Quick Win
Many accessibility improvements take only a few minutes:
Small improvements can significantly improve access for students.
When creating digital content, follow these key accessibility practices.
Use sufficient color contrast between text and background to ensure readability for all users. Avoid relying on color alone to communicate meaning.
Example:
Instead of: Welcome Miners!
Use: Welcome Miners!
Provide clear and concise alternative text for images so screen reader users can understand visual content.
Example:
Instead of : cat
Use : orange kitten sleeping beside a keyboard while someone types, with an alarm clock and pencil holder on the desk
Use built-in heading styles (H1, H2, H3) to organize documents and web pages. Headings create a clear structure and allow screen reader users to navigate content efficiently.
Example:
Instead of making titles and headings bold and larger:
Care and Compliance
Title II Guidelines for Faculty
Use Heading tags:
Care and Compliance
Title II Guidelines for Faculty
Use tables only when necessary and include header rows and descriptive captions so assistive technologies can interpret the information correctly.
Example:
Instead of:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Week 1 Quiz Discussion
Reading Assignment Due
Week 2 Quiz Reading
Do this:
| Week | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Quiz | Reading | Discussion |
| Week | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 2 | Reading | Quiz | Assignment Due |
Tip: Tables without headers or clear structure can be confusing for screen reader users. You can make it easier for them by Including clear column headers and avoid blank or merged cells whenever possible.
Provide captions for videos and transcripts for audio content, so information is accessible to all users.
Tip: Upload instructional videos to YuJa, enable captions, and review them for accuracy.
Use descriptive link text that clearly explains the destination instead of vague phrases like “click here.”
Example:
Instead of: Click Here Use: Download the Accessibility Guide
These guidelines provide a starting point for creating accessible digital content. Additional training, examples, and resources are available through CID’s Title II: Accessibility Blackboard Course and other university accessibility resources.
Quick Win
from the Center for Instructional Design (CID). This short, self-paced course provides practical examples and step-by-step guidance for creating accessible content.
If the course does not appear in your Blackboard list, you can request access by contacting CID at instructionaldesign@utep.edu.
Request access to the Title II: Course Accessibility Blackboard Course shell
Accessibility Policy Statement for The University of Texas at El Paso
If you encounter an accessibility barrier in a university website, document, or digital resource, please report the issue so it can be addressed.
Support is available through:
UTEP is actively developing additional resources and processes to support digital accessibility across the university. This page will be updated as new guidance becomes available.
