Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
What You Need to Know.
In 2026, ADA compliance will require state and local government entities, including public universities, to ensure all of their digital content is accessible by April 24, 2026, primarily by meeting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards.
This impacts all digital content, including websites, apps, and documents, and requires a proactive approach, rather than an “accommodate-on-request” approach. Key areas include web pages, mobile apps, digital documents (like PDFs and presentations), and multimedia (videos, audio).
Key Requirements.
WCAG 2.1 AA Conformance: The standard for all new and existing digital content, including websites, mobile apps, and online documents. Scope: The guidelines apply to a wide range of digital content, including websites, online portals, educational platforms, mobile apps, online forms, digital documents (PDFs, Word, PowerPoint), and multimedia (videos, audio).
Third-Party Content: Public entities are responsible for ensuring that content from third-party vendors also meets accessibility standards, a significant shift from previous requirements.
Proactive Approach: The new rule requires a proactive, comprehensive approach to accessibility rather than waiting for individual requests for accommodation.
What this means in practice.
Website and App Accessibility: Websites and apps, both public-facing and behind a login, must be designed to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Digital Document Accessibility: Documents, like PDFs, Word files, and presentations, used for instructional or informational purposes, must be made accessible.
Multimedia Accessibility: Videos need captions and transcripts with audio descriptions, and audio recordings must have transcripts.
Procurement Policies: Entities must establish procurement policies that require accessibility evaluations before purchasing new software or digital services.
Training: Training staff on accessibility best practices is crucial for ongoing compliance.
Exceptions.
Archived Content: Some exceptions exist for archived web content and pre-existing digital documents that are retained exclusively for reference, research, or records-keeping, provided certain criteria are met.
Individualized Documents: Pre-existing documents that are about a specific person, property, or account are also exempt from the new requirements.
Pre-Existing Social Media: Social media posts made before the April 24, 2026, deadline are not required to be made compliant retroactively.