Bellingham Technical College is committed to ensuring that all students and employees have equal access to information and technology. Digital accessibility is not only a legal requirement but also a fundamental aspect of inclusive education. Employees can submit their accessibility questions and document their work using the buttons on this page.

Understanding Digital Accessibility

Digital accessibility means designing and developing digital content and tools so that all people, including those with disabilities, can use them. This includes websites, instructional content within our Learning Management System (LMS), digital documents, email, multimedia, and software applications.

WCAG 2.1 AA Standards

Bellingham Technical College adheres to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at the AA level. These guidelines provide a comprehensive set of recommendations for making web content more accessible. WCAG 2.1 AA covers a wide range of accessibility issues and provides specific criteria for text alternatives, adaptable content, distinguishable content, and more.

Recent DOJ Ruling

On April 24, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reinforced the importance of digital accessibility by emphasizing that websites and online services must be accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This ruling underscores the legal obligation of educational institutions to ensure that their digital content is accessible to all. You can learn more by visiting the American with Disabilities Act article: Fact Sheet: New Rule on Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments.

The Principle of Universal Design

Universal Design is the concept of creating products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. By incorporating Universal Design principles into our digital content and resources, we aim to create an inclusive learning environment that benefits everyone. This approach not only supports students with disabilities but also enhances usability and user experience for all.

Why Digital Accessibility Matters

Equity and Inclusion:

Ensuring digital accessibility is crucial for providing equal access to educational opportunities for all students.

Enhanced User Experience:

Accessible design often leads to improved usability for all users, not just those with disabilities.

Innovation and Leadership:

By prioritizing accessibility, we demonstrate our commitment to innovation, leadership, and equity in alignment with our Mission, Vision, and Values.

Legal Compliance:

Adhering to accessibility standards and legal requirements protects our institution from potential legal challenges.

For further information on digital accessibility and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive digital environment at Bellingham Technical College, please refer to the Resources for Accessibility

Accessibility Trainings

BTC Canvas Course: BTC’s Accessibility training is required for all employees to gain an understanding of BTC’s accessibility work and how this work supports the college’s mission and values. Self-enroll for the Accessibility Training course in Canvas.

SBCTC Accessibility Microcourses: With these free online courses created by the State Board, you'll start with Understanding Accessibility and Accessible Design Concepts, and then choose options that pertain to your position, including Universal Design, Canvas Accessibility, and Accessible Word Documents, PowerPoints, Emails and PDFs. Enroll in SBCTC microcourses here.

Washington eLearning Council: The council's Accessible Work Group offers drop-in hours to discuss accessibility issues Fridays from 1-2 p.m. during Winter Quarter 2026, staffed by instructional designers from throughout the state. You can drop-in on Zoom.

Canvas Accessibility

At BTC, our Canvas Learning Management System uses Ally to gauge accessibility of course content. For more information, visit the Ally Help Center.

For assistance with Canvas or running Ally, contact our eLearning Coordinator, by email at elearning@btc.edu or by phone at at 360.752.8401.

Document Accessibility

Here are helpful resources with best practices for creating a variety of accessible digital documents.

Accessible Documents Checklist document
WebAIM Acrobat/PDF Guide
WebAIM PowerPoint Guide
WebAIM Word Documents Guide

Accessible Purchasing

All electronic products or services purchased or acquired by the College should be accessible to individuals with disabilities. BTC is required by Washington State Accessibility Policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (a federal law). 

Find a variety of accessible purchasing resources on BTC's Purchasing SharePoint page.

WCAG 2.1 Support

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview
How to Meet WCAG (Quick Reference)
Understanding WCAG 2.1
Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
Accessible Rich Internet Applications (WAI-ARIA) 1.1