Otterbein will be making changes to increase accessibility to web-based content for visually impaired students in accordance with new legal regulations.
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) has updated its regulations regarding web-based content for public institutions. These changes will include updating PDF files, video content, photographs and sound clips to ensure accessibility for those who are blind or visually impaired.
The process of obtaining course materials through web-based platforms like Brightspace is lengthy and time-consuming for those with visual impairments.
Senior political science and history major Caiden Hooks says it is often easier to access necessary material directly through Otterbein's Disability Services; however, other aspects of web content, such as research databases, cause consistent grievances for visually impaired students.
“While everyone else was finding their research articles, I was still trying to figure out how to access the platform,” says Hooks.
Otterbein's Disability Services is currently working alongside IT to implement web-based changes and aid students with disabilities in practical ways.
“If you have a disability, don’t hesitate to reach out to Disability Services. The people on staff right now will do everything they can to help you,” says Hooks.
Public institutions have a deadline of April 24th, 2026 to have these changes made. While Otterbein is a private institution, the university is continually working to ensure that equal education is made accessible to all students.
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