ADA FAQs

The rule makes sure that websites and mobile apps provided by state and local governments (including public colleges and universities) are accessible to people with disabilities.

The rule requires websites and mobile apps to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1 Level AA standards. More details can be found on the WCAG Standards webpage.

The rule applies to all websites and mobile apps offered by public entities, whether they provide them directly or through other arrangements.

Students who create digital content for College business must ensure the content is accessible. As a student, College business may include work you perform in a student job or content you create for a College-sponsored student organization or club. You are not required to make your schoolwork or personal content accessible. 

All course content must meet the accessibility guidelines. This includes third-party content. For example, if you link to or embed a YouTube video in your course, that video must have a nonaudio alternative such as correct captions or a transcript with audio description. This applies even if you are not the owner of the video. If you created content prior to April 2024, you can archive that content; however, if you reuse the course or content from the course, it must be made accessible.

To meet ADA and WCAG requirements, we can no longer rely on blanket statements such as “An alternative text‑only version is available.” Accessibility laws require that individuals with disabilities receive the same content, same functionality, and same experience as all other users. Alternative text‑only versions create a “separate but equal” model, which is not compliant. 

Public entities have two years from the rule’s effective date to make their websites and mobile apps accessible.