ADA Title II and the New Interpretation
What Is ADA Title II?
Title II of the ADA prohibits public entities, including state universities, from discriminating against people with disabilities in any of their programs, services or activities. This includes everything offered through digital platforms: syllabi, readings, videos, slides, Canvas pages, online assessments and more.
Until now, institutions navigated digital accessibility under broader guidance. The 2024 rule changes provide specific clarity.
What Happened in 2024?
The updated rule requires that all web and mobile content published by public colleges and universities meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, the most widely accepted global benchmark for digital accessibility.
Highlights include:
- Applies to all faculty-created course materials
- Covers learning management systems like Canvas
- Requires captions, readable documents, alt text for images and accessible navigation
- Allows limited exceptions (e.g., for archived or legacy content not currently used for active instruction)
The new rule will go into effect April 26, 2027. Institutions are expected to take meaningful steps now to prepare for compliance.
What This Means for Faculty
You do not have to become a web developer or legal expert. But as the creators and stewards of course content, faculty have a vital role to play in ensuring students with disabilities aren't excluded.
Small actions, like writing descriptive link text or uploading a tagged PDF, can remove major barriers. The CAFE team is here to support you with resources, training and design consultations.
What's Next?
- Learn why accessibility is essential to student success
- Discover practical steps to design inclusive course materials
- Enroll in workshops and programs like SAIL (Supporting Accessible and Inclusive Learning)
Compliance starts with awareness and builds through action.
Resources
DOJ Final Rule: ADA Title II (2024)
This official summary outlines the updated federal requirements for digital accessibility in public higher education under ADA Title II.
WCAG 2.1 Quick Reference
A faculty-friendly overview of accessibility standards used to evaluate course materials and digital content.
UM System Accessibility Guidelines
Guidance for making documents, media and Canvas content accessible across the University of Missouri System.
Digital Accessibility Toolkit
Step-by-step tools for alt text, captions, contrast and other essential accessibility practices in digital course materials.
FAQ on ADA Title II Rule Changes
Answers to common questions about the 2024 updates, including what counts as "covered content," timelines and institutional responsibilities.
Higher Ed Summary of the 2024 Rule
A faculty-facing summary of what the new ADA rule means for colleges and universities, published by The Chronicle of Higher Education.