Accessibility in Higher Ed: Learn What You Need to Know
Published by: WCET | 3/21/2025
Tags: Access, Accessibility, Digital Learning, Online Learning, Student Success, WCET
The focus on accessibility in higher education has significantly increased since the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced new requirements for websites and mobile applications.
These regulations apply to all public colleges and universities and mandate that digital content meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
Compliance Deadlines:
- April 24, 2026 – Larger institutions (serving 50,000+ people)
- April 24, 2027 – Smaller institutions (serving fewer than 50,000)
But accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring all students have equal access to learning opportunities.
When digital spaces are inaccessible, students with disabilities face unnecessary barriers that hinder their academic success. Creating accessible content benefits everyone, from students using screen readers to those navigating online courses in low-bandwidth environments.
That’s why WCET has been working hard to support institutions in their accessibility journey—providing expert insights, timely resources, and a community for shared learning.
WCET’s Accessibility Resources & Insights
Recent WCET Frontiers Blog Posts:
- Meeting the Looming Web Accessibility Regulations: The Time to Start Was Yesterday
- The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines – the ADA’s Requirements for Digital Content
- Survey on New DOJ Regulation on Accessibility of Web Information and Services
- Accessibility in the Spotlight: Department of Justice Regulations
…and many more!
WCET Accessibility Events
- Where AI Meets Accessibility: Considerations for Higher Education – March 25, 2025 – recording coming soon here.
- Navigating DOJ Accessibility Rules: Practical Approaches for Higher Education (Recording Available)
- Preparing and Planning for DOJ’s Guidelines for Accessibility (Member-only Event)
- DOJ’s New Guidelines for Accessibility (Member-only Event)
Exclusive Resources: (Members Only)
- WCET Fact Sheet: New Accessibility Requirements for Web Content and Mobile Applications for Public Entities
- Access For All: New Accessibility Rules for Public Entities
Join the Conversation in MIX!
Beyond these resources, our DISCUSS community on MIX has been buzzing with great conversations about accessibility! Members have shared insights on:
- Evaluating OER for accessibility
- Messaging for faculty & staff about the regulations
- Accessibility resources for online course content
- Faculty & staff training
And much more!
If you haven’t explored MIX yet, you’re missing out on a great way to connect with peers tackling similar challenges!
The Power of AI in Accessibility
In March 2025, WCET, Every Learner Everywhere, and Teach Access hosted a free webcast exploring the intersection of AI and accessibility in higher education. Topics included:
- Key accessibility concepts and their impact on higher education,
- How AI can both help and harm individuals with disabilities,
- Real-world assistive technology applications of AI,
- Practical guidance for implementing AI in a way that benefits all learners.
At the same time, Every Learner and Teach Access will release a new AI & Accessibility Toolkit designed for higher education institutions, such as assistive technologies & digital accessibility best practices, legal, quality, and policy considerations, and practical tools—activities, discussion prompts, and reading lists. The recording will be available here.
What’s Your Institution’s Biggest Accessibility Challenge?
With the DOJ’s deadlines fast approaching, institutions are at different stages of preparation. What challenges is your institution facing? Have you found strategies that work? Drop us a comment on LinkedIn or join the conversation in MIX—we’d love to hear from you! 💬
Together, let’s make higher education more accessible for everyone.
This blog post was written by Lindsey Downs and refined by ChatGPT.
