{"id":110,"date":"2026-01-27T19:57:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T00:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/?page_id=110"},"modified":"2026-03-19T18:08:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T22:08:48","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"Why\" class=\"collapsableContent\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"collapsableTitle\"><span class=\"fa-stack\"><i class=\"fa fa-circle fa-stack-2x\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-up fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><\/span>Why is digital accessibility important?<\/div><div class=\"c_content\">\n<p>Digital accessibility is not only the right thing to do, but it improves the experience for all users.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Accessibility = equal access to learning, not just legal compliance.<\/li>\n<li>Impacts students with disabilities and all learners (mobile use, captions, readability, flexibility).<\/li>\n<li>Digital access is part of our shared commitment to equity and student success.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/about\/\">Ramapo College&#8217;s commitment to Digital Accessibility<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"Who\" class=\"collapsableContent\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"collapsableTitle\"><span class=\"fa-stack\"><i class=\"fa fa-circle fa-stack-2x\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-up fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><\/span>Who does digital accessibility impact?<\/div><div class=\"c_content\">\n<p>Digital accessibility benefits everyone, enabling all users, including those with disabilities, to effectively use digital products. It ensures that individuals with permanent, temporary, or situational disabilities can navigate, understand, and use digital products. It is essential for people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments\u2014such as those using screen readers, screen magnifiers, or voice navigation. Beyond disabilities, it improves usability for older adults, users with slow internet, or those in distracting environments.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;More than 55 million Americans \u201318% of our population\u2013have disabilities, and they, like all Americans, participate in a variety of programs, services, and activities provided by their State and local governments. This includes many people who became disabled while serving in the military. And, by the year 2030, approximately 71.5 million baby boomers will be over age 65 and will need services and surroundings that meet their age-related physical needs.&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/resources\/title-ii-primer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/resources\/title-ii-primer\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"Start\" class=\"collapsableContent\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"collapsableTitle\"><span class=\"fa-stack\"><i class=\"fa fa-circle fa-stack-2x\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-up fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><\/span>Where do I start?<\/div><div class=\"c_content\">\n<p>You can start by taking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/self-paced-training\/\">self-paced courses<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/live-training\/\">live intructor-led training<\/a>. Both may include general topics, such as understanding ADA and WCAG requirements. Or they may focus on specific subjects, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/files\/\">creating accessible documents<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can also learn how to make content accessible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/content-by-role\/\">based on your role at the college<\/a> (student, faculty, staff) or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/content-by-type\/\">based on a content type<\/a> (documents, slides, video, and more).<\/p>\n<p>The goal is to make content accessible &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20\/intro.html#:~:text=on%20Wikipedia.-,Understanding%20the%20Four%20Principles%20of%20Accessibility,-The%20guidelines%20and\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>P<\/strong>erceivable,\u00a0<strong>O<\/strong>perable,\u00a0<strong>U<\/strong>nderstandable, and\u00a0<strong>R<\/strong>obust (POUR)<\/a>.\u00a0 Below are some common examples of how you can do that.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Images.<\/strong> Add descriptive Alternative Text (Alt Text) so screen readers can describe the image to users who are blind.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Videos.<\/strong> Provide accurate closed captions for audio and transcripts for videos.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Links.<\/strong> Use descriptive text like &#8220;Download the Accessibility Guidelines&#8221; instead of &#8220;Click here.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Writing.<\/strong> Use plain language, avoid jargon, structure your content by tagging headlines appropriately (H1, H2, H3, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Contact our team through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/help-support\/\">Help &amp; Support page<\/a> if you&#8217;re still unsure about where to start.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"Testing\" class=\"collapsableContent\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"collapsableTitle\"><span class=\"fa-stack\"><i class=\"fa fa-circle fa-stack-2x\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-up fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><\/span>How do I test for digital accessibility?<\/div><div class=\"c_content\">\n<p>There are several free tools available to help you test for digital accessibility and also guide you on making fixes. Browse our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/tool-resources\/\">Tools &amp; Resources page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If digital accessibility is new to you, we recommend you visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/fundamentals\/\">Fundamentals for Content Creators page<\/a> to get oriented.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"Media\" class=\"collapsableContent\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"collapsableTitle\"><span class=\"fa-stack\"><i class=\"fa fa-circle fa-stack-2x\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-up fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><\/span>I work on different platforms and media. How do I make my content accessible?<\/div><div class=\"c_content\">\n<p>Browse our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/training\/\">Training page<\/a> for the different pathways to build your digital accessibility skills. Or start by learning the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/fundamentals\/\">Fundamentals<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"Exceptions\" class=\"collapsableContent\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"collapsableTitle\"><span class=\"fa-stack\"><i class=\"fa fa-circle fa-stack-2x\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-up fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><\/span>Do all my files need to be accessible\/ADA compliant?<\/div><div class=\"c_content\">\n<p>Generally speaking, yes. Though there are Exceptions for WCAG Level 2.1 AA, for which a file must meet certain points. This includes:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/resources\/2024-03-08-web-rule\/#summary-of-the-exceptions:~:text=1.%20Archived%20web%20content\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Archived web content<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/resources\/2024-03-08-web-rule\/#summary-of-the-exceptions:~:text=2.%20Preexisting%20conventional%20electronic%20documents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Preexisting conventional electronic documents<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/resources\/2024-03-08-web-rule\/#summary-of-the-exceptions:~:text=3.%20Content%20posted%20by%20a%20third%20party%20where%20the%20third%20party%20is%20not%20posting%20due%20to%20contractual%2C%20licensing%2C%20or%20other%20arrangements%20with%20a%20public%20entity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Content posted by a third party<\/a> may fall outside of the College\u2019s responsibility only when the third party is acting independently and not pursuant to any contractual, licensing, or other arrangement with the College. However, third party content must be accessible when it is required for students or others to access information, participate in services, or complete a process related to the College\u2019s programs or activities. For example, assigned course readings, videos, or websites must be accessible, even if the College did not create, own, or control the content. Optional content, such as materials students may explore independently but are not assigned or required, is not subject to this requirement.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/resources\/2024-03-08-web-rule\/#summary-of-the-exceptions:~:text=4.%20Individualized%20documents%20that%20are%20password%2Dprotected\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Individualized documents that are password-protected<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/resources\/2024-03-08-web-rule\/#summary-of-the-exceptions:~:text=5.%20Preexisting%20social%20media%20posts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Preexisting social media posts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Exceptions may or may not apply based on the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalregister.gov\/documents\/2024\/04\/24\/2024-07758\/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web-information-and-services-of-state#p-492:~:text=so%20under%20%C2%A7%E2%80%8935.200.-,Fundamental%20Alteration%20or%20Undue%20Financial%20and%20Administrative%20Burdens,-As%20discussed%20at\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fundamental Alteration or Undue Financial and Administrative Burdens<\/a>.<\/strong> Compliance is not required if it leads to a major change in the program. It is also not needed if it creates a significant financial or administrative burden.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Requesting Access. <\/strong>If someone asks for access to old content that is exempt, provide it in a clear format. Do this unless it creates a major issue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Updates:<\/strong> Exceptions may no longer apply if the content is changed, updated, or used in new ways.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Third-Party Website and Apps.<\/strong> Must be accessible when they are required to access information, services, or complete a process related to the institution\u2019s programs or activities. This requirement applies even if the institution did not create, own, or control the third-party product.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>View the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/resources\/2024-03-08-web-rule\/#summary-of-the-exceptions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Summary of Exceptions for WCAG Level 2.1 AA<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"Compliance\" class=\"collapsableContent\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"collapsableTitle\"><span class=\"fa-stack\"><i class=\"fa fa-circle fa-stack-2x\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-up fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i><\/span>What does accessibility and compliance actually mean?<\/div><div class=\"c_content\">\n<p>Per the updated federal mandate, organizations should aim for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/WCAG21\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WCAG 2.1 Level AA<\/a> compliance for legal and regulatory accessibility standards.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Continuous Maintenance. <\/strong>Compliance isn&#8217;t a &#8220;set it and forget it&#8221; task. It demands frequent audits and monitoring since each new content addition or code modification might compromise accessibility.<\/p>\n<h2>Key Principles of Accessible Design<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Logical Structure.<\/strong> Use built-in headings, lists, and tables so screen readers can navigate content as easily as a sighted reader scans a page.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Meaningful Alternatives.<\/strong> Provide brief Alt Text for images. Avoid generic filenames and instead provide a brief description that explains the image\u2019s specific purpose or the message it is intended to convey.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Multimedia &amp; Links.<\/strong> Use descriptive link text instead of raw URLs and provide captions for all video content.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Color and<\/strong> <strong>contrast <\/strong>should support readability. Ensure there is a strong visual distinction between text (or buttons) and their background.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Common Barriers to Avoid<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Scanned PDFs.<\/strong> These are often &#8220;flat&#8221; images that screen readers cannot process.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Manual Formatting.<\/strong> Using bold text or spaces instead of official header and list tools.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Missing Context.<\/strong> Videos without captions or images without descriptions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Explore options for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/digital-accessibility\/training\/\">building your digital accessibility skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1011,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-110","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.5 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - 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