Note: On April 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice released new ADA Title II regulations mandating that web content and mobile applications offered by public entities, such as Ohio State, conform to WCAG 2.1 level AA standards, with few exceptions, by April 24, 2026, thus removing most of the need for requesting information in a different format because it is not accessible.
Ohio State’s Digital Accessibility Policy addresses what needs to happen when an eligible person or a representative of an eligible person contacts ODI about difficulty accessing digital information or digital services and requests an alternative format. It also addresses what needs to happen if there is a complaint about digital accessibility.
If you are contacted via phone, let the individual know that he/she will receive a response within one business day from someone and make certain that you have all the contact information (name, email, phone) for the individual. Please notify Kim Kovarik or 614-292-8441, and she will contact the individual.
If it is an email request, let the individual know that he/she will receive a response within one business day from someone and copy me (kovarik.9@osu.edu) on your response.
If Kim Kovarik is not available (out of the office), you can contact the ADA Coordinator, at accessibility@osu.edu and provide them with the contact information (name, email, phone). Again, please notify Kim Kovarik that such a request has been received.
Example
You send out a pdf in an email and a recipient emails you to say he/she can’t read the pdf and asks if you could send him/her the information in another format.
Sample response
Dear ______,
Thank you for your email about receiving [insert name of item] in a different format. Someone from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion or the Digital Accessibility Office will be contacting you within one business day concerning your request.
*****
Once a request has been received, current and/or legacy digital information and digital services that are specifically requested to be made accessible by or on the behalf of an eligible person must be made accessible or an equally effective alternative provided within 10 business days.
If you receive a complaint about digital accessibility (which is different from a request to receive information in an accessible manner), let the individual know that someone from the Digital Accessibility Office will be contacting them within one business day. Please contact accessibility@osu.edu and provide them with the contact information (name, email, phone). Again, please notify me that a complaint has been received. If you are unsure if it is a complaint or a request, you can contact me. If I am not available, please err on the side of caution and contact the email above.
If you receive a request for accommodations, Ohio State provides Sign Language Interpreting, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), and Accessible Media services to employees, students, and visitors when it is requested as an accommodation. Requests for employees and visitors at Ohio State events are arranged by the ADA Coordinator's Office. Typically, a two-week notice will allow us to provide seamless access. If you receive a request for an accommodation, please let me know ASAP. We will work with the ADA Coordinator’s Office to address the request.
For additional help, you can read the university's digital accessibility policy and the university’s overview of digital accessibility contact Kim Kovarik with any questions.