ADA Title II Compliance

ADA Title II is part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law enacted in 1990. Title II specifically covers state and local government services. Title II directly affects digital assets at state universities by requiring that all digital content and services be accessible to individuals with disabilities, just as physical environments and in-person programs must be.

What is ADA Title II?

State Universities commonly follow the widely accepted international standard: WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.1 AA, as well as Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

More information about Title II can be found on the ADA.gov website (link opens in a new window) .

What Are "Digital Assets?”

  • University websites and portals
  • Online course platforms (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard)
  • PDFs, Word documents, and PowerPoints shared by faculty
  • Video and audio content (lectures, tutorials)
  • Mobile apps
  • Digital forms, registration systems, and admissions materials
  • Email communications

What is the timeline for making digital content accessible?

The university has until April 26, 2026 to reach compliance, according to the timeline set forth by the Department of Justice.

Key Requirements Under ADA Title II:

1. Website and Digital Document Accessibility

  • Websites and digital documents should be accessible to screen reader users and navigable by keyboard-only users.
  • Text must have sufficient contrast, images require alt text, and all interactive elements (buttons, links, menus, forms) must be clearly described and accessible.

2. Accessible Online Learning

  • Videos must include captions and transcripts.
  • Course materials must be provided in accessible formats (e.g., readable by screen readers, with logical heading structures).
  • Timed assessments should allow for accommodations like extended time.

3. Effective Communication

  • Digital tools must allow people with visual, hearing, cognitive, or motor disabilities to receive and send information equally.
  • Elements include ensuring that interactive content ((e.g., discussion forums, quizzes, and chat tools) is

4. Procurement Policies

  • Universities must ensure that third-party software or platforms (e.g., library databases, proctoring tools, cloud services) meet accessibility standards before purchase or deployment.

Are there any exceptions for ADA Title II?

Exceptions must be approved by Digital Accessibility Services and Engineering (Technology Services). These are not blanket exemptions and do not apply if they prevent equal access to public services, programs, or activities. Institutions should always strive to offer accessible alternatives.

Examples of exceptions may include:

  • Web content that is no longer actively used and is maintained for record-keeping or research purposes.
  • The content is kept in a special area for archived content.
  • The content has not been changed since it was archived.
  • Preexisting digital documents: Documents created before the compliance deadline that are not currently being used to apply for, access, or participate in a state or local government’s services, programs, or activities.
  • Third-party content: Content posted by individuals who are not controlled by or acting for the public entity.
  • Social media posts: Posts made before the compliance deadline.
  • Password-Protected Content: Documents that meet all three of the following points do not need to meet WCAG 2.1, Level AA:
    • The documents are word processing, presentation, PDF, or spreadsheet files, AND
    • The documents are about a specific person, property, or account, AND
    • The documents are password-protected or otherwise secured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources