Key U.S. Laws on Digital Accessibility in Higher Education

Digital accessibility is a civil right. It ensures that all students, faculty, and staff—regardless of ability—can fully participate in learning, teaching, research, and campus life. Accessible digital content and tools remove barriers to education, promote equity and inclusion, and are essential for compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Beyond legal requirements, accessibility reflects our campus commitment to diversity, innovation, and academic excellence by creating an environment where everyone has equal access to information and opportunities.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    • Overview: Prohibits discrimination based on disability in all areas of public life, including education.
    • Digital Accessibility: Requires public and private institutions to ensure that their websites and digital content are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
    • Overview: Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal financial assistance.
    • Digital Accessibility: Mandates that institutions provide accessible digital content and services, ensuring full participation in educational programs.
  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
    • Overview: Not a law, but a set of guidelines developed by the W3C to help organizations create accessible web content.
    • Application: The 2024 Title II updates have adopted WCAG 2.1 Level AA or higher as a standard for compliance with the ADA.
  • Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA 2.0)
    • Overview: Enacted in 2018, the IITAA requires Illinois state agencies and public universities to ensure that their websites, information systems, and technologies are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
    • Key Provisions:
      • Establishes specific technical standards for accessibility, aligning with Section 508 standards and WCAG.
      • Applies to all information technology developed, procured, or substantially modified by state entities after January 18, 2018.

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