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Diane Filion Center for
Advancing Faculty Excellence

Advancing Faculty Excellence

ADA Title II and the New Interpretation

Home / Teaching and Learning / ADA Title II and the New Interpretation
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice released updated regulations clarifying how Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to digital content at public colleges and universities. These changes affirm what many educators already know: accessibility is not optional. It’s a civil right—and a professional responsibility.

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’s New 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 goes into effect April 24, 2026. 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?
Explore the sections of this site to:

  • 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. Let’s begin.

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.