In response to a new federal rule from the U.S. Department of Justice, the University of Georgia is launching a coordinated effort to meet accessibility requirements. Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS) has established a Digital Accessibility Program to provide the necessary technology, training, and resources. Meanwhile, the Equal Opportunity Office (EOO) is convening an interdisciplinary committee to develop a UGA-specific policy to support implementation.
The new rule, published in April 2024, requires all state entities to ensure their websites and mobile applications are accessible to individuals with disabilities by April 24, 2026. This includes all programs, services, and instructional materials delivered digitally. Compliance must align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA.
Under this new federal rule, all digital content and services must conform to these standards. Digital accessibility, under this rule, means designing web content and mobile applications to provide equal access, regardless of ability or circumstance. At its core, it is about removing barriers so that individuals do not face unnecessary obstacles when engaging with our resources.
Accessibility is the design of products, services, environments, and systems to be usable by all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
UGA Digital Accessibility Services Hub
