Digital Governance & Accessibility Council

The Digital Governance & Accessibility (DGA) Council brings together representatives from across UL Lafayette to ensure that accessibility is addressed consistently and equitably in every division.

The DGA Council coordinates the university-wide digital accessibility initiative. It was established in response to Louisiana PPM-74 โ€” Web Accessibility Compliance โ€” which took effect February 10, 2025, and the federal ADA Title II final rule.

Read more about requirements of the initiative ยป

Council Purpose

The DGA Council exists to inform, coordinate, and provide oversight for digital accessibility compliance across all university digital properties. It brings together representatives from every major division of the university to ensure that accessibility is addressed consistently and equitably across all units.

The Council focuses its efforts in five areas:

  • Developing and implementing university-wide digital accessibility policies and guidelines aligned with PPM-74 and the Louisiana Web Accessibility Roadmap
  • Identifying and addressing accessibility gaps in digital platforms, including websites, learning management systems, and mobile applications
  • Overseeing the integration of accessibility best practices into new and existing digital content and software acquisitions
  • Facilitating education and support for faculty, staff, and web content creators
  • Reviewing and recommending accessible technology solutions that enhance the digital experience for all users

Individual responsibility

While the Council provides guidance and oversight, all UL Lafayette faculty, staff, and administrators who produce or manage digital content are individually responsible for ensuring its accessibility. The Council coordinates and supports that work โ€” it does not replace it.

Council Charge

Council members are charged with:

  • Conducting a comprehensive review of current digital assets to identify areas of non-compliance
  • Collaborating with institutional stakeholders to develop a strategic plan for addressing identified accessibility gaps
  • Implementing a timeline and action plan aligned with applicable deadlines and milestones
  • Establishing ongoing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure sustained compliance
  • Providing regular progress updates to university leadership
  • Developing institutional infrastructure that supports accessibility for users with disabilities and promotes universal design principles for all

DGA Council Structure

The Digital Governance & Accessibility Council is composed of representatives from key units, including IT, Communications and Marketing, Disability Services, Academic Affairs, Administration & Finance, HR, Athletics, and Student Affairs. Members are appointed based on their expertise in digital strategy, instructional design, technical implementation, and accessibility advocacy. 

Central Coordination Team

Day-to-day coordination of the digital accessibility initiative is led by a central team that divides responsibilities across five functional areas. This team manages active implementation, monitors progress, and connects individual units with the support and guidance they need.

Ashley McClure-French
  • Assistant Director of Digital Content Strategy

Ashley applies the University's digital strategy to the website and oversees the Web Ambassadors Network.

Francesco Crocco headshot
  • Assistant Director, Instructional Support

Dr. Crocco leads the Instructional Support Team in advancing innovative, high-quality teaching through faculty development in course design, certification, and instructional technology.

Council Members

AreaLead(s)Responsibilities
Digital Content Strategy & WebAshley McClure-FrenchLeads university website content strategy, and web accessibility standards.
Distance Learning & MoodleFrancesco CroccoLeads accessibility implementation for Moodle and online course materials; coordinates faculty training.
Legal CounselLindsay PanteleoAdvises on legal risks, compliance obligations, and accessibility-related liability across the initiative.
Human ResourcesLelanya DouetLeads training coordination, staff communication, and HR resources related to accessibility compliance.
Web Development & ITDavid SavoieLeads technical implementation, platform testing, and remediation efforts across university digital properties.

Advises on legal risks, compliance, and accessibility-related liability.

Representative: Lindsay Panteleo

Provides expertise on user needs, accessibility testing, and accommodation requirements.

Representative: Carol Landry

Leads faculty development efforts to integrate accessibility best practices into course design and enforces policy implementation within academic units.

Representatives: Chad Parker & Beth Giroir

Ensures library resources, databases, and digital archives are accessible.

Representatives: Laurie Vanderbrook & Duke Meche

Ensures all digital content, platforms, and communications within Athletics comply with accessibility standards.

Representative: Matt Sullivan
 

Ensures all digital content, platforms, and communications within Student Affairs comply with accessibility standards.

Representative: Greg Zerangue
 

Ensures digital content and communications directed at prospective students and families comply with accessibility standards.

Representative: Megan Sistrunk
 

Reviews third-party software and services for accessibility compliance and manages procurement approval processes.

Representatives: Angie Smith & Kristi Monte
 

Ensures all digital systems, platforms, and third-party services comply with accessibility standards, including the University's mobile app.

Representative: Russell Abshire
 

Ensures all social media and multimedia content meets accessibility requirements.

Representative: Amy Windsor
 

Ensures digital platforms used for alumni engagement and donor relations provide an inclusive, accessible experience.

Representatives: Lauren Shiver & Mark Delcambre
 

Ensures all auxiliary-managed digital platforms, services, and third-party vendor tools meet accessibility standards and align with university-wide governance policies.

Representative: Vacant
 

Provides critical user perspective on the effectiveness of digital accessibility efforts.

Representatives: Identified per semester