Training & Workshops
In-person workshops and virtual training will be offered regularly.
Tools & Resources
Collection of Tools and Resources readily available.
On-Demand Course Review
On-Demand Review and Consultation.
Background
Most people are aware that federal civil rights laws prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public programs and services. Starting with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and later expanded by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, these laws have shaped how schools and other public institutions serve people with disabilities. But both laws were written before the internet became a central part of everyday life. Until recently, the ADA didn’t clearly spell out how its protections apply to websites and mobile apps.
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a final rule updating regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These changes apply to state and local government entities — including public schools, community colleges, and both public and private universities — and require that all digital content meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA standard by April 24, 2026.
In practical terms, this means Siena must ensure its digital presence — from websites and social media to materials hosted on third-party platforms like Canvas — aligns with the new accessibility standards. The rule covers both public-facing pages and content behind login walls, including course materials and internal resources.
This is a major shift toward digital equity, intended to ensure that people with disabilities can access the same information and services as everyone else. At Siena University, we are committed to identifying and removing barriers that stand in the way of equitable access.
Although the regulation and its compliance deadline do not directly apply to Siena University as a private institution, the rule remains significant because it establishes WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the clearest current federal benchmark for accessible digital content. Under Title III of the ADA and, where applicable, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the University remains responsible for ensuring that its web content and digital services are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Meeting the new requirements will involve a comprehensive audit of our digital tools and accessibility resources. It also means developing a campus-wide strategy that includes training, remediation support, and clear guidance for everyone who creates digital content — from faculty and staff to students and administrators.
Key Updates
While the ADA itself isn’t new, this regulation signals a meaningful shift: institutions must now take more deliberate, system-wide steps to ensure compliance, due to two key updates:
Specific Technical Standards for Web Accessibility
The updated regulation removes any ambiguity by directly requiring that digital content and its supporting infrastructure comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. Created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), WCAG has long been the recognized standard for web accessibility. The latest version, WCAG 2.2, was released in 2024, but the regulation adopts version 2.1 to give institutions time to adapt.
Proactive, Not Reactive
The new regulations reinforce a proactive approach to accessibility. Instead of making accommodations only when requested, schools must ensure that all websites and digital tools are accessible from the start. Accessibility is no longer an afterthought — it’s a foundational requirement, built into every platform and resource offered to students.
Impact on Canvas Courses
All instructional and course-related digital content in Canvas must meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. This includes:
- Text content: All text must be perceivable by screen readers and use sufficient contrast.
- Images: All meaningful images must have accurate and descriptive alt text.
- Videos: All course videos must include captions and ideally audio descriptions.
- Links: Links must have descriptive, meaningful text (not “click here”).
- Headings and structure: Proper use of heading levels (e.g., H1, H2) must be consistent and logical.
- Tables: Data tables must include headers and captions; layout tables must be avoided.
- Color use: Cannot rely on color alone to convey meaning; must meet contrast requirements.
- Documents: All embedded or linked PDFs, Word docs, and presentations must meet the web accessibility standards.
Academic Technology
Academic Technology has established a three-prong approach to help the faculty and administrative offices prepare for the project.