Archived Web Content and Digital Materials

On this page:

Overview

ADA Title II requires Wright State’s web content and mobile-app content used for University services, programs, or activities to meet WCAG 2.1 AA by April 24, 2026. Content that is properly archived generally does not require proactive accessibility remediation unless it is reused or requested in an accessible format.

What can be archived?

You may archive web pages and digital materials that will not be used to apply for, gain access to, or take part in Wright State services, programs, or activities on or after April 24, 2026.

Examples that may be appropriate to archive:

  • Event pages for events that occurred before April 24, 2026
  • PDF newsletters posted or distributed before April 24, 2026
  • Outdated reports/white papers replaced by newer versions
  • Websites for discontinued programs that are no longer updated
  • Course materials from courses taught and completed before April 24, 2026 (as long as they are not reused in future courses)

What qualifies as “archived”?

To be considered archived (and exempt from proactive remediation), content must meet all four conditions:

  1. Created in the Past: Created before April 24, 2026
  2. For Reference Only: Kept only for historical, research, or recordkeeping purposes
  3. Unchanged: Not edited or updated after it is archived
  4. Clearly Identified: Stored in a dedicated area clearly labeled as an archive

If your content does not meet all four, it is not archived and must meet accessibility standards unless another limited exception applies.

How to label archived content on a webpage

Archived content must be obvious to users. Use at least one of the methods below; using two is better.

  • Option A: Create a dedicated Archive section

    Add an “Archive” heading and keep archived items grouped under it.

    Example heading:

    Archive (Historical Records)

  • Option B: Add a clear banner

    Place a prominent notice at the start of the archived section (or at the top of an archived page).

    Recommended banner text:

    Archived Content: This material is maintained for historical, research, or recordkeeping purposes only. It may not meet current accessibility standards.

  • Option C: Use a titled repository (for documents)

    Store documents in a folder/library clearly labeled as archived (e.g., “Archived Newsletters (Pre–Apr 24, 2026)”).

When active and archived documents appear on the same webpage

Sometimes a page needs to include current (active) resources and older (archived) resources together (for example, “Current Forms” plus “Forms Archive”).

To avoid confusion, use two clearly separated sections, and label them so a user (and a screen reader) can tell the difference immediately.

  • Required structure (recommended)

    • Active / Current Resources (first)
    • Archive / Historical Resources (second)

  • Suggested headings

    • Current Resources (In Use)
    • Archive (Not In Use / For Reference Only)

  • Recommended pattern when there’s content above the archive section

    If the top of the page includes current content, add a heading before the archived area so the transition is unmistakable:

    Example layout

    H2: Current Resources (In Use)

    • links/documents currently required for participation
    H2: Archive (For Reference Only)
    • archive banner (text box)
    • older links/documents grouped by year or topic

  • Add a short “divider” sentence for clarity (highly recommended)

    Directly under the Archive heading, add:

    The materials below are archived and not intended for current use. They may not meet current accessibility standards.

  • Label individual archived links when mixed lists can’t be avoided

    If you must intermix items (not ideal), label each archived item in the link text:

    • “Policy Handbook (2018) (Archived)”
    • “Department Newsletter: Spring 2020 (Archived)”

    This helps everyone, including keyboard and screen reader users, understand status without guessing.

What happens if archived content is edited or reused?

If you edit archived content

Editing archived content after April 24, 2026 can remove its archived status. If you update it, plan to make it fully accessible under current standards.

If archived content becomes required again

If archived content becomes part of a current service, program, activity, or course, it is no longer archived and must be made accessible (or replaced with an accessible version).

Requests for accessible versions of archived content

Even when content is properly archived, the University may need to provide an accessible version upon request in certain circumstances. If you receive a request, route it through the University accessibility support/intake process and be prepared to help locate the source file.

Need help? If you are unsure whether content qualifies as archived, or you need help labeling/structuring an archive section, contact the Digital Accessibility Committee.