New federal accessibility requirements raise the stakes for digital services and re-center libraries' roles in championing equitable access to information. Beginning in April 2026, the ADA Title II rule requires all public-facing library websites, mobile apps, and electronic resources to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. These changes impact every aspect of library operations—from vendor negotiations and licensing to catalog design and metadata practices.

Trauma-Informed Design (TID) provides a framework for creating spaces that foster comfort, trust, and a sense of belonging, especially for those who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, or other forms of trauma.

Learn the foundational principles of TID and how thoughtful architectural and interior choices can positively influence user experience and behavior. Whether planning a full redesign or seeking small, impactful changes, gain practical, low-cost ideas to enhance your library’s environment and better support your communities.

Using plain language can improve accessibility for users of all literacy levels and remove barriers to understanding. This session covers plain language basics, how to get others on board, and how to create sustainable habits that work for your library. Learn to write easy-to-read messaging for library communications of all kinds, both internally and externally.

Writing effective alternative (alt) text is a key component of creating accessible documents and websites. For beginners or those with limited experience, knowing exactly what to write can be difficult. Explore best practices for writing alt text for different types of images, both information and decorative, and learn some common mistakes to avoid. Active participation in hands-on practice examples will be strongly encouraged.

Document remediation makes online materials accessible for people with disabilities, ensuring that they can be read by assistive technologies such as screen readers. Remediation is especially important for compliance with federal law and web accessibility standards – including the Department of Justice’s final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a compliance deadline of April 2026. Title II of the ADA directly impacts state and local governments, including public schools, universities, and libraries and their web content.