Location: Virtual

Presenters:

Brittni Ballard, Learning Technologies and COE Liaison Librarian, Cook Library, Towson University
Katherine Klosek, Director of Information Policy and Federal Relations, Association of Research Libraries (ARL)

Note:  This program was presented in-person at the Fall 2025 SLRC Conference.  There will be time for Q&A.

The convergence of federal accessibility mandates and libraries’ equity missions creates both urgency and opportunity. Revised ADA rules published in April 2024 require all state and local governmental entities—including 85% of libraries nationwide—to make websites, mobile apps, and online documents accessible by April 2026 or 2027. These regulations impact every aspect of digital library services, from websites and databases to online programming and discovery tools. In this interactive workshop, policy and accessibility experts move beyond compliance to embrace accessibility as equity in action. We’ll explore practical strategies for prioritizing digital accessibility improvements, focusing on high-impact changes that enhance user experience for everyone. Participants will examine real-world accessibility barriers through the lens of user impact, practice document remediation techniques, and discover auditing tools that fit library budgets and staffing. Just like everyone will experience disability, accessibility is a collective responsibility. We'll highlight the power of connection, encouraging participants to build relationships across library types, roles, and lived experiences with disability. Together, we can meet these new requirements while ensuring that digital spaces are as welcoming and inclusive as our physical ones.

Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate three key factors to prioritize accessibility for digital content.
2. Describe the human impact of common accessibility barriers and apply fixes to documents and web content.
3. Explore tools, resources, and strategies to support accessibility in your library.
4. Build connections across colleagues with accessibility expertise and lived disability experience to share processes, affirm challenges, and sustain this work collectively.

Contact Hours (Maryland public libraries) = Yes

Zoom captioning will be available. If you require an ASL interpreter or other accommodation for this program, please contact nini.beegan@maryland.gov with as much notice as possible, but no later than three weeks before the program date.

This project is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act administered by the Maryland State Library Agency.