No. Title II applies to most digital content used to deliver university programs and services, including internal and student-facing materials in Canvas.
Content clearly designated as archival and not actively used may be treated differently. If it is used again for instruction or public communication, it must meet accessibility standards or have an accessible alternative.
Videos should have accurate captions and, when needed, transcripts or audio descriptions. Third‑party tools should undergo accessibility review before adoption. Yuja and Zoom both have automatic captioning. It is important to manually check captioning accuracy.
No. Accessibility and UDL are proactive design strategies that reduce the need for individual accommodations. They complement, but do not replace, the ADA accommodations process.
Exemptions to this policy may be permitted when full compliance would impose an “undue burden” or when an accessible format constitutes a fundamental alteration to the nature of the program, service, or activity. In all cases, the individual or unit requesting an exemption will be required to document and obtain written approval(s) for the exemption from the UNK Office of Compliance.
The granting of an exemption does not eliminate the requirement to ensure individuals with disabilities receive the benefits or services the University is providing to the maximum extent possible.
Instances of non-compliance with or violation or breach of this policy will constitute a violation of the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska and may lead to discipline up to and including termination from the University.
Students are encouraged to contact the Disability Services for Students office.
Employees are encouraged to contact the ADA Compliance Manager, Kate DeBord in the UNK Office of Compliance
In accordance with NU Executive Memorandum No. 47 (“EM 47”), exemptions to this policy may be permitted when full compliance would impose an “undue burden” or when an accessible format constitutes a fundamental alteration to the nature of the program, service, or activity.
Exemptions are not automatic and will be narrow, limited, and considered on a case-by-case basis. In all cases, the individual or unit requesting an exemption should:
- Document the specific accessibility barrier, including why standard remediation methods (e.g., Ally-supported formats or alternative representations) are not feasible.
- Describe good-faith efforts already taken to improve accessibility and any alternative access strategies considered.
- Submit a formal exemption request including supporting documentation, preferably in advance of course delivery.
All exemption requests must be reviewed and approved by the UNK Office of Compliance.
Even when an exemption is approved, the institution remains committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individual students and exploring alternative means of access whenever possible. Per EM 47, the granting of an exemption does not eliminate the requirement to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive benefits or services from the University to the maximum extent possible.
For questions about exemptions, documentation requirements, or accessible alternatives, contact the UNK Office of Compliance.
