Standards and guidelines
VCU is committed to ensure equitable access to all and ensure our programs and activities are inclusive and accessible. In that effort, the following standards and guidelines pertain to that endeavor. Our standards and guidelines are aligned with the new federal requirement for accessible digital content to be in compliance with WCAG 2.1, AA by April 24, 2026.
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.