Digital accessibility is the practice of ensuring that digital content and technologies is usable for everyone, regardless of ability. For digital content to be accessible, it must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. The video below provides a brief overview.
Accessibility is about equity and inclusion. When instructional materials are designed to be accessible from the start, barriers are reduced and all learners benefit—students with disabilities, multilingual learners, students using assistive technologies, and those accessing content in varied environments.
This commitment reflects UMB's Core Values, including equity, respect, accountability, and innovation. Accessible teaching ensures that every student has meaningful and equal access to learning opportunities.
Under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Title II ADA ruling, issued in April 2024, all digital content provided by public universities must be accessible and meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA.
Within a teaching and learning context, digital content would include course materials, media, learning platforms, course site content, educational technologies, and electronic communications. The deadline for compliance is April 24, 2026.
The Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning supports faculty in creating accessible, inclusive learning environments by:
Our goal is to make accessibility approachable, practical, and sustainable for faculty.
Accessibility is a shared institutional responsibility, and faculty play a key role. Every instructor is responsible for making sure that the digital content they create and/or provide to students is accessible.
Below are some actions faculty can take to advance accessibility in their courses. Small steps can make a big impact for students.
| Action | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Review course materials |
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| Apply accessibility best practices |
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| Use built-in accessibility checkers |
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| Develop skills and expertise |
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| Address accessibility proactively |
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Request a one-on-one FCTL consultation: FCTL Consultation Form
March 6, 2026 - Online Teaching Community Presentation: Opening Doors: Accessibility in the Wake of DOJ Title II Ruling, 12PM - 1PM
The DOJ’s Title II ADA ruling requires that all digital content provided by public institutions must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This applies not only to digital content provided directly by the institution, but also to digital content provided by contracted third parties.
The compliance deadline for this ruling is April 24, 2026. Digital content created or modified on or after this date must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA.
While some preexisting documents may qualify for exemptions, many will be required to meet these same accessibility standards, particularly if they are used to apply for, access, or participate in the institution's services, programs, or activities.
Digital content includes any information or experience a user can access with a computer or device. Below are some of the main categories of digital content and where you might find examples of these in a teaching and learning context.
| Category | Applicability in a teaching and learning context |
|---|---|
| Websites and their content |
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| Social media |
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| Web and mobile applications |
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| Procured tools, software, and third-party services |
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| Electronic documents and communications |
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| Media |
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Exceptions can be made for certain pre-existing documents. To qualify as an exception, however, the document must meet all three of the following criteria:
The University of Washington's Preexisting Conventional Electronic Documents webpage offers a helpful summary these criteria with examples. We recommend faculty prioritize current and upcoming courses and materials. The FCTL can help you determine where to start.
You don’t have to do this alone. The FCTL provides hands-on support and can help troubleshoot or escalate concerns when needed.
Accessible design improves clarity, organization, and usability—benefiting all students, not just those with documented disabilities.
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