Exemptions from Accessibility Standard Requirements for Certain Digital Content and Information Technology

As described below, certain digital content and information technology is exempted from the Policy’s accessibility requirements.

Upon receipt of a request from an individual who cannot access digital content and information technology that falls within one of these exemptions and who requires reasonable accommodation due to disability, the responsible individual or unit must provide the individual with a means to effective communication, an accessible alternative format, or an equally effective accommodation to enable equitable access to the digital content and information technology.

1. Digital content and information technology is not required to meet the Policy’s accessibility standards when compliance with these accessibility standards is not possible due to technical or legal limitations. To request an exemption for this reason, submit an Exemption Request Form. Exemptions for this reason must be approved by the Office for Digital Accessibility. 
2. Digital content and information technology is not required to meet the Policy’s accessibility standards when rendering the digital content and information technology accessible would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, service, or activity or result in an undue burden for the University. In determining whether an action would result in undue burden, all of the University’s resources should be considered. To request an exemption for this reason, submit an Exemption Request Form. Exemptions for this reason must be approved by the Office for Digital Accessibility. 
3. The following digital content and information technology is exempted from the Policy’s accessibility requirements. Responsible individuals or users do not need to request approval from the Office for Digital Accessibility for exemptions under this provision. For any digital content and information technology that is exempted under this provision, responsible individuals or units content owners must maintain a written record of the reason for the exemption.
   1. Archived web content. Web content that meets all of the following requirements:
      • The content was created before the implementation date of the Policy or the content reproduces paper documents or the contents of other physical media (audiotapes, film negatives, and CD-ROMs for example) that were created before the implementation date of the Policy.
      • The content is kept only for reference, research, or recordkeeping.
      • The content is kept in a special area for archived content.
      • The content has not been changed since it was archived.
   2. Individualized documents that are password-protected. Documents that meet all of the following requirements:
      • The documents are word processing, presentation, PDF, or spreadsheet files.
      • The documents are about a specific person, property, or account.
      • The documents are password-protected or otherwise secured.
   3. Preexisting conventional electronic documents. Documents that meet all of the following requirements:
      • The documents were available on the University’s website or mobile app before the implementation date of the Policy.
      • The documents are word processing, presentation, PDF, or spreadsheet files.
      • The documents are not currently being used to apply for, access, or participate in the University’s services, programs, or activities.
   4. Preexisting social media posts. Social media posts that were made before the implementation date of the Policy.
   5. Certain content posted by a third-party. Content that is posted by third parties, such as members of the general public, on the University’s website or mobile app where the third party is not posting due to contractual, licensing, or other arrangements with the University.