The ADA Title II regulations mandate that all web content and mobile apps must meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards—the most widely accepted global benchmark for digital accessibility—by April 24, 2026.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of rules designed to make websites and digital content more accessible to people with disabilities. In simple terms, they require that websites and web content adhere to the following four concepts.
These guidelines help ensure that everyone—including people with visual, hearing, motor or cognitive disabilities—can access and use web content.
That's correct. The regulations do apply to digital materials.
However, keep in mind that some individuals may have a print disability, a condition that makes it difficult or impossible for a person to read standard printed materials. This can be due to:
Individuals with a print disability benefit from accessible formats including:
These alternatives allow people with print disabilities to access the same information as others.
An external tool integrated within UB Learns, Ally:
In addition to a score, Ally:
In some instances you can address the problem directly from Ally, improving your score and improving the student experience. In other instances, Ally can help you identify your next step.
Faculty members are unlikely to face direct personal legal liability under Title II of the ADA, but they may be personally named in legal actions brought under state law for related violations of student’s rights. SUNY provides defense and indemnification so long as the actions of the faculty giving rise to the complaint adhered to University policy. Faculty may also be subject to disciplinary action for breaches of University policy.
Yes. The university published a Web Accessibility Policy in 2018. It was updated in July 2022 with the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Policy. The associated EIT Accessibility Policy Guidance provides information about how to meet the policy requirements.
Anyone who creates content is responsible for ensuring their content is accessible. This includes faculty, staff and students.
To ensure all students can engage with your course materials—especially those with disabilities—follow these key practices:
If the software or tool is essential to the course and there is no other alternative, EDI will review the request and determine if it can be approved for use.
You may use any resources that are accessible or that can be made accessible.
On a case-by-case basis, we may review content essential to a course that cannot be made accessible and where is there is no alternative. Please contact EDI in these cases.
Yes. Content you are using for your courses must be accessible, regardless of where it is saved or housed.