Editor’s Note: The U.S. Department of Education has set a deadline of April 24, 2026, for public schools the size of the University of Utah to comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements regarding web content. In particular, faculty should review all actively used or referenced course materials, syllabi, PDFs, slide decks and Word documents. Information about which campus web team can help is below.

At the University of Utah, accessibility is not just a compliance requirement—it is a reflection of who we are and how we show up for students. Creating digital environments that are usable, inclusive and welcoming for all learners is essential to student success, and it is work that many across campus are already leading with care and intention.

Why digital accessibility matters

Accessible digital content ensures students, employees and community members can fully engage with the university’s academic and administrative resources

“Thoughtfully designed digital materials support those who use assistive technologies, while also improving clarity and usability for everyone,” said Provost Mitzi Montoya.

From Canvas courses and syllabi to departmental websites and shared documents, accessibility plays a critical role in removing barriers and supporting equitable learning experiences.

Federal requirements and the April 2026 deadline

Under Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public universities are required to ensure their digital content is accessible.

By April 24, 2026, all academic web content, online course materials and institutional digital content must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. The deadline applies broadly across public higher education. These requirements are enforceable and may carry legal implications if not met.

Strong work already underway

Importantly, this is not new work for our campus. Web managers across the university are already deeply engaged in this effort, actively reviewing, updating and improving accessibility on university websites. Barb Iannucci, UIT’s director of web development, said, “Our web managers have been doing meaningful accessibility work for years. The April 2026 deadline gives us an opportunity to build on that foundation and make steady, sustainable improvements over time. Accessibility is not about perfection overnight. It’s about making progress where it matters most.”

That progress matters. It positions us well as we continue expanding accessibility practices across instructional and administrative digital content and reflects the collaborative spirit that defines our campus.

What counts as digital content?

The April 2026 standard applies to most digital materials used for instruction, communication and public information, including:

• Canvas pages and course materials
• Syllabi, PDFs, Word documents and slide decks
• Images, charts and infographics
• Videos and audio files
• Departmental and program websites

Meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards includes:

• Using a clear heading structure and readable formatting
• Adding alternative text to images
• Providing captions or transcripts for multimedia
• Ensuring sufficient color contrast
• Using descriptive link text
• Creating accessible PDFs and documents

As we prepare for the April 2026 deadline, the primary focus should be on digital content that is actively used or referenced in the normal course of instruction, programs, services, or university business. This includes materials that students, employees, or the public are expected to engage with—such as current course content, active web pages and documents that continue to support ongoing work.

Older, legacy, or archival materials that are no longer in active use are not the priority for remediation. As with much of our work, this effort is about making thoughtful, intentional choices—directing time and energy where it will have the greatest impact on access and usability today.

Web managers and campus partners can help units determine which content should be prioritized, and accessibility support teams are available to assist with planning and decision-making as questions arise.

What you can do now

Reach out to the campus digital teams and webmasters who have helped you set up your website, including:

• University Information Technology—Barb Iannucci, email barb.iannucci@utah.edu

• University Marketing and Communications—Sravi Garikipati, email sravi.garikipati@utah.edu

Anne Cook, director of the Martha Bradley Evens Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), emphasized, “While the deadline may feel distant, aligning existing materials with accessibility standards takes time, particularly for long-standing or high-use content. Early action will reduce risk, support compliance and help avoid last-minute pressure.”

CTE has assembled training and guidance to support instructors on the Accessibility Essentials site, and the Digital Learning Technologies team is available to help with audits, tools and questions at classhelp@utah.edu—reinforcing our shared commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning.

Digital accessibility is ongoing work, and it is shared work. Thanks to the leadership of web managers and the continued engagement of faculty and staff, the University of Utah is well-positioned to meet the April 2026 deadline while continuing to advance inclusive, student-centered digital environments.