Digital Accessibility
Introduction to the ADA rule on digital accessibility
In April 2024, the Department of Justice created a new rule for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requiring digital tools and electronic resources used at public universities to be accessible by meeting certain technical standards.
This digital accessibility rule is important because technology is essential to participating in all aspects of American society and allows for quick, easy, and independent access to information. The rule ensures disabled individuals do not experience discrimination by being able to use the same technology as individuals without disabilities.
Introduction to the ADA’s digital accessibility rule, and plain language information about the rule’s requirements.
As of April 24, 2026
What must be accessible?
All digital tools and electronic resources used in programs, services and activities:
- PDFs, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Google Docs
- Websites and web forms
- Software, apps, and mobile apps
- Multimedia
- Social media
- Course content
- File sharing systems such as Box, SharePoint, Google Drive
- Library content
- Employee work tools, databases, systems
Three key steps
- Remove
Remove unused, unnecessary or outdated tools and content. Doing so leaves you with just the tools and content that need to be made accessible. - Remediate
Improve existing content gradually. Focus on high-impact materials like course content, public-facing websites and frequently accessed documents. - Right First
Create accessible digital content from the start. When you build accessibility into new materials, you avoid time-consuming remediation later.
The approach
- Progress over perfection
- Prioritize your most important and most used materials
- Develop best practices so that all new materials start out accessible
- Reach out for support as needed
Getting started
These introductory resources will help you and your colleagues build an understanding of digital accessibility.
- Fundamentals of Digital Accessibility – Key concepts and simple practices for making your materials more accessible.
- Digital Accessibility for the Modern Workplace – Brief, beginner‑friendly videos to help everyone at the university to work towards digital accessibility.
Support
- Connect with Sarah Congdon, your Digital Accessibility Liaison, about the University’s digital accessibility resources.
- Connect with the Center for User Experience with questions or for help.
- Book an office hours chat with to ask accessibility questions.
- Join the Digital Accessibility Community of Practice.