The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently made changes to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (external link), the requirement for governmental entities to comply with the ADA. These updates clarify our obligation to make all digital content including, but not limited to, Canvas courses, webpages, videos, social media content, images (with alt text), apps, software platforms, and documents (PDFs, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files) readily usable by and accessible to individuals with disabilities. Any faculty or staff who utilizes digital content for educational purposes, programs/services, events, or communications to students is responsible for complying with Title II.
These changes encompass in-person, hybrid, and online courses, as well as all other Canvas courses, and anything utilizing digital aspects (e.g., PDF or Word Documents, PowerPoints, videos, external links, email communications, etc.). Some exceptions include content that falls outside of this use, such as archived content; however, such content would need to be made accessible upon request. Social media content posted prior to June 24, 2024, does not need to be made accessible.
The university has until April 2026 to reach compliance, according to the timeline set forth by the DOJ. All university staff, faculty, and instructors who produce or manage digital content are responsible for ensuring its accessibility.