Website Accessibility

As outlined on Western’s Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance’s website, the Department of Justice has issued a new rule requiring public entities, including Western Washington University, to make their online content and services proactively accessible to people with disabilities. This is done by following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at the AA level. By July 1, 2026, Western is required to meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards.

The rule applies to websites, mobile apps, digital documents, and online course content (including Canvas and all posted materials) created or managed by university staff, faculty, and students working at Western.

 

Included below are links to more background information and some helpful resources on how faculty can prepare:

Background

The final rule on web accessibility is a new regulation under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The rule was published in April 2024 by the Department of Justice (DOJ). It outlines how public entities, states and local governments need to make their digital content, programs, and services accessible. 

The requirements in User-01 are effective immediately, mandated by WA State, and aligns with the DOJ rules.

Resources

Countdown to Meeting New Federal Digital Accessibility Rules- AJ Barse, WWU Instructional Designer, and Justina Brown, Sr. Instructional Designer, share what is entailed in the new federal digital content accessibility mandate prior to the early 2026 effective date. In this video, they also cover accessibility basics to help you ensure your digital content is ready.