New federal requirement for accessible digital course materials by April 2026
In April 2024, the Department of Justice issued the final rule on Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities. The rule requires provisions “for making accessible the services, programs, and activities offered by State and local government entities to the public through the web and mobile applications.” More specifically, the rule mandates “ease of use” of web material by people with disabilities, with “ease of use” defined as use with “timeliness, privacy, and independence.” The standard of accessibility is prescribed as W3C’s WCAG 2.1 AA. The rule went into effect June 24, 2024, and entities serving populations of over 50,000 people have until April 24, 2026, to comply. VCU falls under this timeline as an institution serving the State of Virginia.
Compliance
Striving to adhere to established accessibility guidelines to ensure digital materials and technologies meet recognized accessibility benchmarks.
Review
Closely monitor the evolving regulatory landscape in teaching with technology, addressing requirements proactively to empower faculty to deliver their best work.
Inclusivity
We aim to integrate accessibility into all aspects of our learning environments to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities.
Support
We offer resources and guidance to help faculty and staff create accessible digital content in support of universal design.