The U.S. Department of Justice’s final rule on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has significant implications for public universities and community colleges regarding web content and mobile app accessibility. Finalized in April 2024 and effective from June 2024, the rule adopts Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as the new standard for digital accessibility. This means that covered entities must ensure their digital platforms, including websites and mobile apps, comply with specific requirements for captioning and audio descriptions.
The compliance deadlines are set for 2026 and 2027, depending on the local government population size. While there are limited exceptions for archived web content and preexisting social media posts, password-protected content must also meet these standards. All state and local government entities across the United States and their third-party contractors and software vendors must comply. The rule impacts a wide range of public services, from municipal offices to schools, libraries, and museums.
Overall, the new rule represents a significant step towards improving digital accessibility in higher education, requiring institutions to take proactive measures to accommodate all users, including those with disabilities. While this sounds daunting, the key to success with these updated guidelines are early preparation and clear understanding of them and what they mean.
Working with an experienced partner like Edge to facilitate the transition to full compliance is key. Edge can help you take swift action to meet these new requirements. Compliance not only mitigates legal risks but also positions institutions as leaders in inclusive digital services. The potential return on investment in accessibility beyond legal compliance is astronomical, serving a broader audience and enhancing overall user experience for all your students, current and potential.
Time is of the essence with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your institution requires expert guidance and support to ensure your web content and mobile app accessibility meet the new guidelines, connect with Edge’s Member Engagement Team today.
MICHELLE FERRARO
Senior Member Engagement Manager
michelle.ferraro@njedge.net
732.740.5092
ERIN BRINK
Member Engagement Manager
erin.brink@njedge.net
973.943.8088
About Edge
Edge serves as a member-owned, nonprofit provider of high performance optical fiber networking and internetworking, Internet2, and a vast array of best-in-class technology solutions for cybersecurity, educational technologies, cloud computing, and professional managed services. Edge provides these solutions to colleges and universities, K-12 school districts, government entities, hospital networks and nonprofit business entities as part of a membership-based consortium. Edge’s membership spans the northeast, along with a growing list of EdgeMarket participants nationwide. Edge’s common good mission ensures success by empowering members for digital transformation with affordable, reliable and thought-leading purpose-built, advanced connectivity, technologies and services.
