Accessibility

New ADA Title II Digital Accessibility Requirements

On this page:

 

Purpose of This Page 

This page explains how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II applies to digital accessibility at Wright State University and what members of the campus community need to know and do to meet these requirements.

Specifically, this page:

  • Explains why digital accessibility is required under ADA Title II
  • Describes the types of digital content and technology covered
  • Outlines the accessibility standards the University follows
  • Clarifies roles, responsibilities, timelines, and available support

This page exists to provide clear, consistent guidance so that faculty, staff, students, and partners understand their shared responsibility in creating and maintaining accessible digital content. It also supports the University’s commitment to equitable access for people with disabilities.

 

 

Overview of ADA Title II & Digital Accessibility 

ADA Title II is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities, including public universities. Under Title II, universities must ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to programs, services, and activities.

As education and services increasingly rely on websites, digital documents, learning management systems, mobile apps, and other technology, digital accessibility has become a core component of ADA compliance. Digital accessibility ensures that individuals using assistive technologies—such as screen readers, captions, voice recognition software, or alternative input devices—can perceive, operate, and understand digital content.

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a final rule clarifying that ADA Title II applies explicitly to web content and mobile applications. This rule establishes clear technical expectations and timelines for compliance.

 

 

What Digital Content Is Covered 

ADA Title II applies broadly to digital content and technology used to deliver University programs, services, and information. Covered content includes, but is not limited to:

  • Websites and web applications: Public-facing and internal websites, portals, and online tools
  • Mobile applications: University-owned or University-controlled mobile apps
  • Digital documents: PDFs, Word documents, presentations, spreadsheets, forms, and similar files
  • Multimedia: Video and audio content, including the need for captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions where required
  • Systems and platforms: Learning management systems, registration systems, third-party tools, and other platforms used to provide academic, administrative, or student services

If a digital resource is used to communicate information or provide a service, it is likely covered by these requirements.

 

 

Accessibility Standard We Follow 

To meet ADA Title II requirements, Wright State University follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA.

WCAG is an internationally recognized standard that defines how to make digital content accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. At a high level, WCAG requires that digital content be:

  • Perceivable: Information can be seen or heard by users in different ways
  • Operable: Users can navigate and interact with content using various input methods
  • Understandable: Content and functionality are clear and predictable
  • Robust: Content works with current and future assistive technologies

Meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA helps ensure content is usable by the broadest possible audience and aligns with federal expectations for public institutions.

 

 

Compliance Timeline and Deadlines 

The U.S. Department of Justice has established a compliance deadline of April 24, 2026 for public universities to ensure their web content and mobile applications meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Wright State University is working toward this deadline through a coordinated, institution-wide approach. In some cases, the University may use a phased or prioritized strategy that focuses first on:

  • High-impact and high-traffic content
  • Content required for core academic, student, and administrative services
  • Content that presents known accessibility barriers

Additional guidance on priorities and timelines will be communicated as this work progresses.

 

 

Who This Applies To 

Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility. These requirements apply to:

  • Faculty and instructors creating or sharing course materials
  • Staff and content editors responsible for websites, documents, and communications
  • Web developers and IT staff designing, building, or maintaining digital systems
  • Vendors and contractors providing digital tools, platforms, or content on behalf of the University

Anyone who creates, selects, manages, or publishes digital content for University use has a role in ensuring accessibility.

 

 

Roles, Responsibilities, and Governance 

Digital accessibility at Wright State University is coordinated through a shared governance model.

  • The ADA Coordinator provides institutional oversight and ensures alignment with federal requirements
  • Legal and compliance partners support interpretation of regulatory obligations
  • Information Technology and web governance groups support accessible design, development, and platform management
  • The Digital Accessibility Committee (DAC) promotes best practices, coordination, and continuous improvement across campus

Decision-making and accountability are shared across academic, administrative, and technical units to support a sustainable, institution-wide approach.

 

 

Support, Resources, and Training 

The University provides support to help campus units meet digital accessibility requirements, including:

  • Consultations and guidance from the Digital Accessibility team
  • Training opportunities for faculty, staff, and content creators
  • Documentation, checklists, templates, and how-to guides for accessible content creation
  • Collaboration with Wright State Online, University Communications and Marketing, the Office of Disability Services and CaTS

Accessibility is most effective when addressed early and proactively. Support is available to help units build accessibility into their workflows.

 

 

Exceptions and Limitations 

Federal regulations recognize that limited exceptions to accessibility requirements may exist in specific circumstances. However:

  • Exceptions are narrow and limited
  • Exceptions are not automatic
  • Any request for an exception must be reviewed and approved through the appropriate institutional process

The University’s default expectation is that digital content will be accessible unless a documented exception is granted.

 

 

Reporting Accessibility Issues or Requesting Help 

Wright State University is committed to addressing accessibility barriers promptly.

Individuals may:

  • Report digital accessibility issues encountered on University websites, systems, or content
  • Request assistance or accommodations related to digital access

All reports and requests are reviewed, and the University is committed to responding in a timely and collaborative manner.

 

 

Related Policies and References 

Additional resources and guidance will be added as they become available.

 

 

Commitment to Ongoing Improvement 

Digital accessibility is not a one-time project. It is an ongoing commitment to equity, usability, and inclusion.

Wright State University is committed to continuous improvement through training, collaboration, feedback, and shared responsibility. We value partnership with our campus community as we work together to ensure digital content and services are accessible to all.