Reminder: Federal digital accessibility requirements take effect April 24
Colleagues,
This is a reminder that new federal digital accessibility requirements for public institutions, including the University of Kentucky, take effect on April 24, 2026. These rules apply to any web-based digital content or apps made available to students, patients or the public on or after that date.
Key Points
- Web-based digital materials and apps must meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA.
- Requirements apply to all new or updated content or preexisting content that is not subject to an exception under the new regulations starting April 24.
- Prioritize high-impact and widely used content; progress should be steady and intentional.
What’s Covered
- Websites, academic technologies, digital documents, videos, online forms, emails, mobile apps and social media posts made on or after April 24.
Need Support?
Visit the UK’s Digital Accessibility Initiative website for guidance and tools. Resources include plain-language explanations, content-specific guidelines, archiving practices and training materials. Previous communications about the initiative are also available here.
Faculty and instructors can use the Canvas course “Updating Course Content for Accessibility” or request a CELT consultation for individual help.
For questions not addressed on the website, submit them to the university work group.
Thank you for your commitment to advancing accessibility at UK.
Sincerely,
Robert S. DiPaola
Provost
Co-Executive Vice President for Health Affairs
Eric N. Monday
Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration
Co-Executive Vice President for Health Affairs