About Accessibility

In This Section

Our Mission

Paris Junior College is committed to being inclusive and accessible for everyone.

At PJC, integrety is one of our core values and our campus is strengthened and enriched by our inclusive nature . Accessibility is an approach to communication and engagement. It goes beyond legal accommodations for students, staff and faculty with disabilities. Learn about laws, standards, and how to request support or report accessibility issues.

Web Accessibility

Web accessibility means designing websites, online content, and digital services so that people with disabilities can access, navigate, understand, and interact with them effectively. For a better understanding on who's effected and which standards to abide by, view this flyer.

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Digital Accessibility Mandate

On April 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a new digital accessibility rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The rule requires all college web content, including academic course materials, to meet accessibility standards by April 2027.

Update (Original proposed deadline, April 2026): The DOJ extended the compliance deadline to April 2027.

Standards

As technology and accessibility standards continue to evolve rapidly, to support its commitment to accessible information technology, Paris Junior College follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines establish measurable success criteria for web accessibility and provide a framework that can also be applied to many non-web-based digital products and services. When an IT product cannot be made fully accessible, campus units are responsible for ensuring individuals with disabilities receive equivalent access.

Accessibility Laws and Regulations

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.

Note: Department of Education initiatives are underway to establish web accessibility regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which will apply to all educational institutions that receive federal funding.

Section 508

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to ensure that their electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities. While most colleges and universities are not directly subject to Section 508 unless they are federal agencies or develop technology for the federal government, the standards established under Section 508 are widely recognized as best practices for digital accessibility in higher education. Many institutions use the Section 508 standards, which incorporate the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to guide the development and procurement of accessible websites, software, digital documents, instructional materials, and other technology.

WCAG

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a globally recognized set of recommendations for making websites, web applications, and digital content accessible to people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, learning and neurological impairments. Developed by the through its Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), WCAG provides testable success criteria organized around four core principles: content should be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). Organizations use WCAG as the foundation for designing inclusive digital experiences, improving usability for all users, and meeting accessibility requirements in many laws and regulations worldwide.

Accommodations

Paris Junior College is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment that promotes a positive and successful learning experience. All students are encouraged to pursue their educational and career goals with the resources they need to succeed. Through academic accommodations and accessibility services, students with disabilities can access the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive in an inclusive college community.

Quickly find accommodation resources for students, employees, and visitors by viewing our accommodations webpage.