On April 20, 2026, the Department of Justice announced an extension of the compliance deadline for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to April 26, 2027. These requirements address accessibility standards for web content and mobile applications. The extension applies to large institutions like the University of Utah.

What is the new deadline?

April 26, 2027

What does this mean?

The university has an additional year to meet the accessibility requirements. The requirements have not changed, and this announcement does not mean we should stop working to meet them.

What’s the reason for the extension? 

The DOJ recognized the significant technical and financial hurdles faced by public institutions, especially regarding complex content like STEM materials and mobile app integration.

What are the next steps?

• Continue working to meet the accessibility requirements. Use this extra time to ensure that high-priority digital services and content are fully accessible.
• Reach out to the specific team that supports your area for audits, training or technical help.
  • Websites managed through UMC: Sravi Garikipati
  • Websites managed through UIT: Barb Iannucci
  • Classes and course materials: For assistance with Canvas pages, syllabi, accessible PDFs, PowerPoints and classroom multimedia:
    • Contact: Digital Learning Technologies (DLT)
    • Email: classhelp@utah.edu
    • Resource: CTE Accessibility Essentials
  • U of U Health (Clinical & Health Sciences): For accessibility support related to U of U Health web pages, patient-facing digital content and Health Sciences materials:
    • Makenna Homer or Heather Sims
  • LearningHub (the U’s campus learning management system): training@utah.edu

Find more information and FAQs here.

Additional info and steps for University of Utah instructors

• Even though you have extra time before this requirement goes into effect, we strongly encourage all instructors to update their Summer 2026, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 course materials, websites, etc., to comply with WCAG 2.1. Doing so increases the accessibility of learning materials for ALL students, regardless of whether they have documented disabilities.
• Comply with current federal law by supporting student accommodation requests from the Center for Disability and Access.
• Note that all materials for Summer 2027 (and subsequent terms) will be required to comply with the WCAG 2.1 guidelines indicated in the law.
• Educate yourself about what the requirements entail. All resources, tutorials and information about the requirements are available to instructors on CTE’s Accessibility Essentials site.
• Use the cidiLabs Tools available in Canvas. These tools can help you spot potential problems with your materials and remedy them.
• If you still have questions after accessing the materials on the Accessibility Essentials site, you can set up appointments with CTE consultants or email Digital Learning at classhelp@utah.edu.
• If you have questions, please email cte@utah.edu.