Resources for faculty: Federal accessibility requirements mandated by April 2026
Dear colleagues,
As we prepare for the spring semester, it is vital that we renew our focus on the rule issued last year by the Department of Justice regarding accessibility for digital course materials. The deadline to comply with this rule is April 24, 2026.
Background
In April 2024, the Department of Justice issued rule § 35.205 on “Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities.” The rule requires provisions “for making accessible the services, programs, and activities offered by State and local government entities to the public through the web and mobile applications.” For detailed information about the standard of accessibility, see WCAG 2.1 AA. The rule went into effect June 24, 2024, and VCU has until April 24, 2026 to comply.
Implications for faculty
This requirement applies to all digital content provided to students, including—but not limited to— downloadable documents (such as PDFs), multimedia resources (videos, podcasts, etc.), and any digital materials shared through email, Canvas, course websites, third-party tools, or other platforms.
Support/Resources for faculty
It sounds daunting, but we are here to support you.
Everything you need to know to ensure your materials are accessible is on this website https://digitalaccessibility.vcu.edu/:
- How to ensure all video and audio media have accurate captions for videos and transcripts for audio.
- How to ensure all text material is machine readable by adaptive screen-reader technology (including PDFs and math formulas).
- How to ensure all text material has sufficient color contrast with its background.
- How to check to ensure that all URL links are active and descriptive.
- How to create courses in which navigation is cognitively clear.
- How to submit specific questions through RamsCentral.
- Information about special Zoom and in-person training to learn the basics and participate in discussions about best practices. Please check the Trainings tab frequently for upcoming sessions.
We will continue to provide updates as the deadline approaches.
Thank you for all that you do to ensure that VCU offerings live up to the promises that we make as an institution to the people we serve and comply with government regulations.
Sincerely,
Andrew Arroyo, senior vice provost for academic affairs and interim dean, University College
Alex Henson, chief information officer
Alison Jones, associate vice president for academic operations and strategy
Cleopatra Magwaro, associate vice president, equity and access services
Kathleen Rudasill, senior vice provost for faculty affairs