ADA Title II Exemption
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed an accessibility rule that could significantly affect public colleges and universities. The ADA Title II Web and Mobile App Accessibility Rule would make WCAG 2.1 AA the minimum accessibility compliance standard for the web content of state and local governments. The updated standard would be especially helpful to users on mobile devices, low-vision users, and users with cognitive disabilities.
However, as it is currently written, the rule would make password-protected online course content exempt from compliance unless a student with a disability requests an accommodation. See Section 35.201 Exceptions on page 212 of the NPRM.
The DOJ is actively seeking feedback from the American public. Do you think that online course content accessibility should be accommodation-driven, or should there be a minimum standard for usability that allows students to take courses without having to disclose their disability status and ask for access? Enter your comments
This rule is not finalized. Your comments can make a difference. The submission deadline for feedback is next Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
Please read the Fact Sheet and the NPRM (start on page 208) for more information.