ADA Accessibility

Why ADA Title II Accessibility Matters for Our Campus

Preparing for the April 2026 Accessibility Regulation

Accessibility is not just a legal requirement—it’s a shared responsibility and a core value of our university.

In April 2026, updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) take effect, strengthening accessibility requirements for public colleges and universities. These regulations ensure that people with disabilities have equitable access to the digital programs, services, and information we provide.

What Is Title II of the ADA?

Title II of the ADA applies to all state and local government entities, including public higher education institutions. It requires that individuals with disabilities have the same access to:

• University websites and mobile apps
• Learning management systems and digital course materials
• Online forms, registration tools, and instructional technologies
• Campus communications and public-facing digital content

The April 2026 regulation reinforces that digital accessibility is essential, not optional.

Why This Matters to Our University Community

Accessibility impacts everyone—whether you are creating content, teaching courses, managing systems, or using digital tools to learn and work.

By prioritizing accessibility, we:

• Ensure equal access for students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities
• Improve usability for all users, including those using mobile devices or assistive technologies
• Reduce legal and compliance risk for the institution
• Demonstrate our commitment to inclusion, equity, and respect

Accessible design benefits the entire campus community by making information clearer, more flexible, and easier to use.

Who Is Responsible?

Accessibility is a shared responsibility. It involves:

• Faculty creating accessible course content
• Staff publishing accessible webpages and documents
• Departments selecting accessible software and tools
• Vendors meeting accessibility standards

Every digital decision we make contributes to the university’s overall compliance and inclusiveness.

What You Can Do Now

Preparing for April 2026 starts today:

• Learn basic accessibility principles for digital content
• Use approved tools and accessibility‑friendly templates
• Test content for accessibility before publishing
• Reach out for guidance or training when needed

Small actions taken early make a big impact.

The following trusted resources can help you create and maintain accessible digital content:

General Accessibility Standards

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – W3C
  https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/
  The international standard used to evaluate digital accessibility.

Practical Guidance and Training

• WebAIM (Web Accessibility in Mind)
  https://webaim.org/
  Plain‑language explanations, checklists, and examples for web accessibility.

• Accessibility Fundamentals – W3C
  https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/
  Easy‑to‑understand introductions to accessibility concepts.

Document and Microsoft 365 Accessibility

• Microsoft Accessibility Learning Center
  https://www.microsoft.com/accessibility
  Guidance for creating accessible Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF, and Teams content.

• Check Accessibility in Microsoft Office
  https://support.microsoft.com/office/accessibility-checker

Higher Education–Focused Resources

• ADA National Network
  https://adata.org/
  Training and guidance tailored to educational institutions and public entities.

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Our Commitment

Our university is committed to providing a fully accessible digital environment that supports learning, teaching, and engagement for all. The Title II ADA regulation reinforces this mission and helps ensure that no one is excluded from participating fully in campus life.

Together, we can create a more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming campus—now and into the future.

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