Digital Accessibility and Colorado Law

Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility across the CU Anschutz community. If you create or manage websites, software, videos, electronic documents, or instructional content—or if you procure technology—you are responsible for ensuring it is accessible.

Each campus entity (e.g., department, school, college) will be responsible for any fines related to accessibility violations identified after July 1, 2024.

Colorado’s Accessibility Law (HB21-1110) outlines multiple methods for compliance. CU Anschutz follows a multifaceted approach to compliance:

• Proactively provide accessible digital content and information and communication technology (ICT) that meets established technical standards (see CU Anschutz Digital Accessibility Standards and Resources)
• Provide reasonable accommodations or modifications upon request
• Demonstrate ongoing progress in accessibility efforts

Remember the following guidelines are you’re working toward making your digital content accessible:

• Progress, not perfection: You do not have to make all of your digital content accessible overnight. However, you do need to continue making progress toward accessibility and make it easy for people with disabilities to request assistance. Use the digital accessibility planning template to prioritize your efforts.
• Do not remove inaccessible content: You do not need to remove inaccessible content, such as course materials in Canvas. Focus on making progress in your digital accessibility efforts while providing reasonable accommodations or modifications when requested.

Per Colorado’s Accessibility Law (HB21-1110): “An individual with a disability can sue in a Colorado court if they feel that they have experienced discrimination due to a lack of accessibility. The court will determine if there was discrimination and whether the government entity is liable. Discrimination in this case is defined as a failure to comply with the accessibility standards established by the State of Colorado rules. If the government entity is found liable, then the court can order them to fix the accessibility issues and pay a fine of either $3,500 per violation or actual monetary damages.”

Each campus entity (e.g., department, school, college) will be responsible for any fines related to accessibility violations identified after July 1, 2024.

Exemptions are generally not necessary due to the multifaceted compliance methods in place. For example, an inaccessible PDF may still be used as course material if it is made accessible when reasonable accommodations are requested.

If you believe your situation is unique, contact [email protected] to discuss further.