Digital Accessibility
Digital Accessibility
Digital accessibility is a proactive and systemic people-centered practice that ensures all users, regardless of ability, are afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services. Digital content includes websites, media, documents, online learning environments, and information technology. In support of these efforts, Pierce College District strives to ensure our digital content (new and existing) meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. Our district community continues to grow our technical skills and technology adoption so that we stay current with WCAG standards as required by law (WCAG 2.2 Level AA and beyond). Our content is also governed by the Pierce College Accessible Technology Policy.
Digital accessibility goes beyond laws, regulations, and policies. Pierce College recognizes the intersectional identities, experiences, and needs of our entire district community. We strive to ensure belonging and safety in online spaces, and that our systems around digital accessibility are structured with these pillars in mind:
- Addressing systemic inequities
- Advancing Black and Brown excellence
- Fostering inclusive dialogue
Third-Party Content
Some parts of Pierce College’s digital content may include external resources from other companies. While we ensure digital content and tools purchased and adopted by Pierce College follow accessibility best practices, we can’t always guarantee the conformance of other external resources (e.g. links to other websites, supplemental articles, videos, etc.). However, we’re committed to working with the owners of these resources to improve accessibility whenever possible.
Report a Digital Accessibility Issue
Website
If you encounter an accessibility barrier on our website, please email webmanager@pierce.ctc.edu. We will remediate the issue when reasonable and as quickly as possible.
Other Content
If you encounter an accessibility barrier in online learning environments, instructional materials, social media, and other digital content, please email digitalaccessibility@pierce.ctc.edu. We will do our best to support you and provide equally effective alternatives.
Accommodations
If you have accommodations and believe your rights were violated, or accommodations were not properly implemented, please follow the appropriate grievance process outlined by Access and Disability Services.
Feedback
Our students’ and community’s digital experiences are important to us. Please help us improve by providing feedback to digitalaccessibility@pierce.ctc.edu!
Digital Equity and Accessibility Resources
Faculty and Staff
- Digital Equity and Accessibility intranet: Checklists, resources, and support for all employees
- Digital Accessibility Training for Employees (Canvas)
Students
- Digital Accessibility Training for Students (Canvas)
- Pierce College Library Free or Low-Cost Tech: List of resources for free or low-cost access to computers and the internet.
- Goodwill Olympics and Rainier Region (serving 15 Washington state counties)
- Basic Digital Skills Program
- Digital Work Opportunity Center
- Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington (serving 5 Washington state counties)
- Digital Equity Bus
- Digital Skills and Job Training
- Pierce County Library System (PCLS)
- Free Online Resources
- Digital Literacy
- King County Library System (KCLS)
- Job and Career Resources