Accessibility is at the heart of inclusive education, and with the newly updated ADA Title II regulations, higher education institutions in the US have more accountability than ever. This shift strengthens the commitment to equitable access for students with disabilities, leaving no room for outdated systems or practices that create barriers to learning.

Whether you're a compliance officer, an IT specialist, or an instructional designer, this guide will help you understand the new DOJ ADA 2024 rule, its requirements, and actionable steps to get started.

Most importantly, we’ll explain what you need to do before the deadlines of April 24, 2026, and April 24, 2027 (depending on your institution’s population size) to avoid costly non-compliance.

The latest Department of Justice (DOJ) update to ADA Title II guidelines is a big leap forward in ensuring digital accessibility across all public US institutions, including colleges and universities.

Here's what you need to know about the rule and its implications:

To comply with ADA Title II, institutions must meet the standards outlined in WCAG 2.1 Level AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). These standards ensure that websites, learning management systems, and other digital resources are accessible to all users, including those using assistive technologies such as screen readers or voice recognition software.

Failing to adhere to ADA Title II and meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards can have significant consequences for institutions. Non-compliance risks include legal actions, such as lawsuits and fines, which can damage an institution's reputation and financial stability.

Additionally, inaccessible digital resources can exclude individuals with disabilities. This lack of accessibility can result in lost opportunities to attract and retain a diverse and talented community of students, faculty, and staff.

The updated rule primarily targets public colleges and universities. Even if you're using third-party platforms or content providers, you are responsible for ensuring that everything your students and faculty use meets WCAG for higher education standards.

Compliance deadlines are based on the size of your institution’s population:

• April 24, 2026 for institutions serving 50,000+ individuals
• April 24, 2027 for all other institutions

By these dates, affected entities must ensure their digital content and platforms are fully compliant, or risk legal and reputational repercussions.

A clear roadmap and action plan are essential to meeting these requirements on time.

While the rule is enforceable across all US institutions, certain groups are more likely to face obstacles:

Colleges and universities lacking a dedicated team for accessibility may struggle to meet the WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements. Limited resources can make it harder to implement comprehensive audits or build internal expertise.

Outdated open educational resources (OERs) or tools that don’t meet accessibility standards can jeopardize compliance. Tracking all third-party tools in use is especially challenging without a proper framework in place.

Many faculty members simply aren’t trained to create or review accessible course content. Without proper education, even well-intentioned staff can unknowingly contribute to noncompliance.

Creating an accessible digital environment is a chance to drive meaningful inclusion. What steps are you taking to ensure your online platforms are welcoming and usable for everyone? By acting now and prioritizing accessibility, you can empower all students to succeed. Here are key actions to guide you toward compliance and true inclusion.

1) Conduct an accessibility audit
Evaluate your website and digital content for accessibility gaps. Use tools like JAWS screen readers and contrast checkers to identify barriers.

2) Create an action plan
Focus on the highest-impact areas first — like login pages, course material portals, and video content. Prioritize compliance with WCAG’s POUR principles; digital content must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

3) Train faculty and staff
Ensure that instructors, course designers, and administrative staff understand web accessibility best practices. Offer training sessions on using accessibility tools and platforms.

4) Leverage assistive technology
Adopt tools to provide captions, transcripts, and other assistive features across video content and course materials.

5) Engage experts
Partner with organizations experienced in accessibility compliance, like Boundless Learning. We can help assess your current systems, make recommendations, and guide you through implementation.

6) Test with real users
Include individuals with disabilities in your testing phase. Their feedback is invaluable in identifying gaps that automated tools might overlook.

7) Maintain compliance
Treat accessibility as an ongoing commitment. Regular audits will ensure you meet evolving standards.

WCAG 2.1 is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, a set of standards ensuring websites and digital tools are accessible to all. Level AA includes practical standards like sufficient color contrast, text resizing, and keyboard navigation.

Yes. If a third-party tool or content is part of your institution’s digital ecosystem, it must meet ADA compliance standards. The responsibility ultimately falls on your institution.

Non-compliance can lead to financial penalties, costly lawsuits, and reputational damage. Starting early ensures you have ample time to tackle challenges.

Digital accessibility is no longer optional — with the updated DOJ ADA 2024 rule, it’s a legal and ethical responsibility. But beyond compliance, prioritizing accessibility makes education better for everyone.

At Boundless Learning, we can help you meet and exceed accessibility requirements with confidence. Our learning design solutions and education services provide tailored support, from instructional design guidance to third-party tool recommendations. We’ll ensure any content or resources we provide or develop meet accessibility requirements.

Contact our expert team to discover how we can support your compliance goals.