ADA Title II Subpart H

Overview

To make it easier for everyone to access and utilize digital content, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all digital content that is actively used to apply for, access, or participate in the services of a public entity, be accessible. Content that is accessible conforms to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Title II of the ADA, which requires actively used content to comply with WCAG guidelines, takes effect April 24, 2026. This requirement will impact all areas of the university.

This website is intended to help you develop a plan for bringing your content into compliance, whether it is new content or something you’ve been using for years. Content could include websites, course sites, video or audio recordings, images or graphics, cloud-based applications, or various document types, including PDF files.

Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students should assess the accessibility of their new and actively used digital content and make a plan to bring that content into compliance with WCAG guidelines by the April 24, 2026 deadline. For Spring 2026 courses, the deadline for compliance is Jan. 20, 2026, to coincide with the start of the semester. 

Following Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles is the easiest way to develop instructional materials that don’t need to be remediated for accessibility later. Virginia Tech is committed to continuing to grow the trend of instructional materials and other content being developed using Universal Design for Learning principles.

Key Impacts on Virginia Tech

The Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education (CRCPE) and Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) are leading initiatives to renew the university’s focus on these regulations and to showcase the benefits of providing accessible content yields for learners, instructors, and co-workers alike.

To make this as easy as possible, CRCPE and TLOS are working to identify solutions and resources to support us as we make our online content and tools compliant. With this goal in mind, we have: 

• Reviewed the new regulations to determine and prioritize requirements
• Developed a timeline to reach compliance
• Identified training needs
• Identified resource needs to achieve and maintain compliance

We are working towards raising awareness of the published enforcement date for the Title II regulation to ensure that the campus community is aware of these requirements and empowered to take action in a timely manner. 

All creators and stewards of digital content will be impacted. We are working to ensure our paid third-party vendors (e.g., Canvas, Zoom, Microsoft, Google) adopt these regulations as well. Influencing vendors to comply and modifying future contracts to include Title II adherence is vital to Virginia Tech’s successful compliance with the new rules.

The Title II working group is requesting additional resources and talent to track accessibility compliance and to support individuals as they make the changes that are necessary. It is important to note that making content accessible is a shared responsibility, and the regulation applies to every employee who creates electronic assets or instructional materials. All of us need to learn how to make resources universally accessible. CRCPE and TLOS will provide guidance and assist, but most of the work falls to employees in our colleges and divisions. Small improvements can make a significant impact, but it is important to begin now.

Statement on Virginia Tech’s commitment to civil rights and accessibility 

Virginia Tech is committed to providing equal access and opportunity for all students, employees, and visitors to our campus. The university provides dedicated resources and is committed to enabling access in both physical and digital spaces, ensuring that all individuals can access the resources, opportunities, and learning environments that define the Virginia Tech experience. 

Digital accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of removing barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing or interacting with websites, digital tools, and technologies. 

Virginia Tech's emphasis on civil rights and accessibility is ongoing, for digital accessibility as well as physical accessibility. The university recognizes that accessibility is a shared responsibility and actively collaborates with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community to create an environment where every Hokie can succeed.

Key stakeholders and subject matter experts

As we proceed with providing tools and raising awareness, we are striving to stay in constant collaboration with our digital accessibility communities: the Accessibility Network, Disability Alliance (for students), Disability Caucus (for employees), and the organizers of our certification program in accessibility core competencies.

Legal and regulatory references

• Title II Regulation of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Notice of Proposed Rulemaking attached to the Title II regulation
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA

WCAG 2.1 AA is internationally recognized guidance, issued by W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), that outlines the minimum requirements for accessible digital content, with a goal of meeting the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments around the world. Title II requires that WCAG 2.1 AA be used.