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Overview

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a final rule mandating that state and local government entities — including public universities — ensure their websites, mobile applications, digital documents, and social media content comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. Importantly, this requirement extends to password-protected and internal-facing content.

In response to this federal mandate, Idaho State University has launched a collaborative effort involving stakeholders across the institution to develop a comprehensive accessibility strategy. Our goal is to ensure compliance with the new standards while supporting the diverse needs of our campus community.

Everyone is Responsible for Accessibility

Meeting the new federal accessibility requirements represents a substantial undertaking for Idaho State University. The scope of compliance spans research, academic instruction, and all services and programs provided to both internal and external communities. This includes ensuring that websites, digital documents, online tools, and other forms of electronic content are accessible and usable by all individuals, including those with disabilities.

Achieving compliance by the April 24, 2026, deadline will require a coordinated, campus-wide effort. Collaboration across departments, programs, and functional areas is essential to ensure that accessibility is integrated into all aspects of our digital presence and service delivery.

Summary of Title II

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that no qualified individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, the services, programs, or activities offered by state and local government entities due to their disability.

Today, many of these public services are provided digitally—through websites and mobile applications. However, when these platforms are not designed with accessibility in mind, they can present significant barriers for individuals with disabilities.

To address these issues, a new rule establishes specific accessibility standards for digital content. These standards are designed to eliminate common obstacles and ensure inclusive access. For example:

  • Blind or low-vision users will be able to understand visual content through the use of alternative text for images.

  • Deaf or hard of hearing individuals will have better access to content such as online university lectures through captioning or transcripts.

  • People with mobility impairments who cannot use a mouse will be able to navigate websites using only a keyboard.

This rule is a critical step toward ensuring that all individuals with disabilities have equal access to the full range of services, programs, and activities that public entities offer online and via mobile platforms.