Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the deadline for these new requirements?
For large public entities, the DOJ compliance date is April 24, 2026.
What digital accessibility standard are we aiming for?
WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Are faculty required to make their materials accessible?
Yes, this is a requirement of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What do these requirements apply to? If I teach in person, do I need to change anything?
Under the updated Title II rule, digital accessibility requirements apply to all areas of teaching that involve digital content. If you are providing digital course materials of any kind to students, those materials fall under the regulation.
How do I know if my course is accessible?
You can’t assume your course is accessible — you need to actively check it against digital accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA). We have compiled a helpful Accessible Course Checklist and a Quick-Reference Guide to make this easier in your day-to-day work.
Accessibility isn’t a one-time cleanup; each time you upload a document, embed a video, revise a slide deck, or update Canvas content, you’re responsible for ensuring those materials meet accessibility requirements. Like adjusting due dates or refining assignments, accessibility becomes an ongoing part of regular course maintenance.
What content should I prioritize first?
Anything students use now or every term: syllabus, core assignments, key weekly pages/files, required media. Start with our Quick-Reference Guide.
Do I have to fix everything I’ve ever made or posted?
Prioritize current and commonly used materials first, then update content as you plan to use it in future terms.
What tools can help me check my course in Canvas?
An accessibility course-checking tool is coming. Once implemented, it will help you check your Canvas courses for accessibility. We don’t have a launch date yet. Until it’s live, we recommend starting with the Quick-Reference Guide for your instructional material, and taking the PSU faculty training. We’re here to help review materials and answer questions so you’re not navigating this alone.
What's the difference between accessibility, accommodations, and accessible teaching practices, like Universal Design for Learning?
Digital accessibility is a federal requirement for public universities. Under Title II, our online course materials — including Canvas pages, documents, slides, PDFs, and videos — must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. This means materials must be built correctly (for example, using real headings, clear link text, alt text for images, captions for videos, and strong color contrast) so they work for people with disabilities without extra steps.
Accommodations are individual adjustments for students with documented disabilities, such as extended time or alternate formats. These are arranged through the DRC and respond to specific student needs.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a teaching approach. It encourages flexible ways for students to engage with content and show what they know. UDL improves course design, but it is not a legal requirement.
Accommodations do not replace digital accessibility compliance, and UDL does not substitute for meeting WCAG standards — but all three can work together to create more equitable learning environments.
Does providing student accommodations mean my course is accessible?
No. Providing accommodations is essential and legally required, but accommodations are reactive in response to an accommodation notice. They address the needs of individual students who may experience barriers in a course. Digital accessibility is proactive. It means designing your course materials from the start so they meet accessibility standards and work for all students with accessibility needs. Accommodations support individual students. Accessibility reduces barriers for everyone.
I have a discipline-specific or department-specific accessibility question, who can help me?
OAI faculty support can come meet with your department to discuss your specific questions.
How do I know if my library ebooks are accessible?
Contact your discipline-specific librarian—they can help you evaluate the accessibility features of library resources.
Do I need to make physical textbooks available digitally for accessibility?
Digital accessibility standards apply to digital course materials, not physical textbooks.
What if I/my department use a third-party tool (publisher homework, simulations, etc.)?
You’re not expected to become a procurement expert—but you should flag tools students must use and route questions through PSU’s accessibility and procurement support.
How do I report an accessibility issue a student raises?
Direct them to PSU's ADA Accessibility Inquiries webpage.
I work directly with a publisher, how do I make sure the course content is accessible?
Reach out to our faculty support staff for sample language for communicating with publishers and vendors.