Where can I read the relevant rule or learn more about it?
The final rule was published in the Federal Register at 2024-07758 (89 FR 31320) and can be viewed here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/24/2024-07758/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web-information-and-services-of-state
It is now codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, 28 CFR Part 35, and can be viewed here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-28/chapter-I/part-35
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice has published a Fact Sheet, which can be viewed here: https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/.
What is a web standard?
Web standards are “the building blocks of the web. They are the blueprints of how to implement browsers, blogs, graphic editors, search engines, and many more software that power our experience on the web.” https://www.w3.org/standards/about/#what-are-web-standards
As explained by the World Wide Web Consortium (“WC3”), “[w]hen websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities can use them. However, currently many sites and tools are developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or impossible for some people to use.”
To learn more about the role that properly designed websites and tools play in accessibility, visit https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals.
What is WCAG Version 2.1 Level AA?
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (“WCAG”) Version 2.1AA is a set of guidelines and a web standard developed by W3C. It has been selected as the minimum technical standard state and local governments must follow to meet their obligations under Title II for website and mobile app accessibility under new regulations promulgated by the Department of Justice.
To learn more visit https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/, https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/Understanding/ or browse the resources available on this site.
What if I’m meeting a “higher” web standard like WCAG Version 2.2?
WCAG Version 2.1 Level AA is a minimum standard. The new rules allow a public entity flexibility to show that its use of other designs, methods, or techniques as alternatives to WCAG 2.1 Level AA provides substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability of the web content or mobile app. Nothing prohibits an entity from going above and beyond the minimum accessibility standards the rule sets out. https://www.ada.gov/assets/pdfs/web-rule.pdf#page=46
I am responsible for a webpage that provides information about a service used by students and employees of the University. It is not password protected and is visible to the public. Should I make sure that it is accessible in accordance with WCAG 2.1AA on or before April 24, 2026?
Yes. Both because the webpage is (1) used by students and (2) visible to the public who can access it to seek information about the university, it should be accessible and meet WCAG 2.1AA standards on or before April 24, 2026, using the guidelines provided on this webpage https://ada.uky.edu/digital-accessibility/websites.
My office sends out a monthly email newsletter about activities taking place on campus. Some subscribers are members of the public. Should I make sure that the email newsletter is accessible in accordance with WCAG 2.1AA if I send it on or after April 24, 2026?
Yes. The newsletter is a digital document shared with members of the public and should be made accessible in accordance with these standards if sent on or after April 24, 2026. Prior to that time, you may need to provide an accessible version upon request. In that instance, consult with UK’s Office of Campus Accessibility and ADA for further guidance.
You can find information about crafting accessible documents in MS Word and other applications, including MS Outlook, here https://ada.uky.edu/digital-accessibility/creating-accessible-documents.
I am a university employee preparing a flyer that includes information for an event taking place on campus on May 1, 2026. I will prepare the flyer in MS Word then transform the draft into a PDF document to share on a university social media channel on April 25, 2026. Should I make sure that the flyer is accessible in accordance with WCAG 2.1AA?
Yes. The final PDF is a digital document shared with members of the public on social media after April 24, 2026, the date on and after which social media posts should be accessible in accordance with WCAG 2.1AA. You can find information on crafting Word documents that are readily transformed into accessible PDF documents here https://ada.uky.edu/digital-accessibility/creating-accessible-documents.
I have a question about digital content that is not included the guidelines provided by the university. Who can I send this to?
This webpage will be continually updated with guidelines for additional types of digital content. If you have a question about content that is not currently reflected on this page, please submit the General Inquiry Form found here https://ada.uky.edu/form/general-inquiries.