The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) has reached a significant milestone in digital accessibility, achieving 100% website compliance, as of April 17, 2025, ahead of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) original April 24, 2026 deadline.
While the DOJ has since extended the compliance deadline to April 24, 2027, UIS’s early completion reflects a proactive, campus-wide commitment to accessibility that goes well beyond meeting minimum requirements.
Even after reaching this milestone, we will continue to monitor the website daily to ensure ongoing compliance and quickly address any new accessibility issues as they arise.
A Proactive Approach to Accessibility
The Web Team, in collaboration with the Office of Digital Accessibility and other units across campus, began auditing and remediating web content well in advance. This included:
- Onboarding accessibility scanning software tools
- Conducting comprehensive accessibility audits across uis.edu websites
- Remediating or archiving legacy content and addressing structural issues
- Implementing accessible design standards and templates and addressing development related issues
- Providing training and resources for content editors across campus
By prioritizing accessibility early, UIS avoided the last-minute scramble many institutions face and instead built a sustainable, long-term approach.
Collaboration Across Campus
Reaching full compliance was not the work of a single team. Departments across campus played a critical role by updating their content, attending training sessions, and learning and implementing accessibility practices.
This collaborative effort ensured that accessibility became a shared responsibility, not just a technical requirement.
What 100% Compliance Means
Achieving 100% compliance means that UIS websites now meet established accessibility standards (such as WCAG 2.1 guidelines), making content more usable for individuals with disabilities, including those who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies.
More importantly, it ensures that all users, regardless of ability, can access information, complete tasks, and engage with UIS online.
Looking Beyond the Deadline
Although the federal deadline has been extended to April 24, 2027, UIS’s approach remains unchanged. Accessibility is not viewed as a moving target or a deadline-driven task, it is an ongoing commitment.
The Web Team will continue to:
- Monitor and audit new and existing content
- Provide training and support to campus contributors
- Refine tools and processes to maintain compliance
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
Reaching 100% compliance ahead of the original federal deadline is a major achievement for UIS. It demonstrates the university’s commitment to inclusivity, equity, and excellence in digital experiences.
As standards evolve and expectations grow, UIS is well-positioned to remain a leader in accessibility, ensuring that its digital presence serves everyone.