The application of accessibility is connected to three federal laws which require our compliance because NNU accepts federal financial aid.

Image by AnonMoos licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Section 504

• Part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Requires that "any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance" -- e.g., a university -- provide the means for students with disabilities to participate as adequately as students without disabilities

Section 508

• An amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Similar to Section 504 in that programs or activities must provide information and communication that is accessible to people with disabilities

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

• A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public
• Ensures people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else

Digital accessibility is a requirement for meeting the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as set forth by the World Wide Web Consortium. The W3C is an international group of collaborators who develop and update standards for the Web. 

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay 

As a Christian university, NNU looks to the Bible for how we should think and act toward others.

• "The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion" Psalm 116:5 (NIV).
• "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" Colossians 3:12 (NIV).

Making our digital content accessible is one way to express that compassion.

Image by Sergio Parella licensed under CC BY 4.0

Center for Instructional Design and Technology • InstructionalDesign@nnu.edu • 208.467.8034 • Learning Commons 146