At the University of Oklahoma, we are committed to building inclusive spaces that reflect our shared values of opportunity, excellence, and belonging. Accessibility is essential to this mission.
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice updated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to include web accessibility standards, adhering to WCAG level 2.1 AA. This update states that all digital content, like websites and mobile apps, must be accessible to people with disabilities. Few exceptions apply to this rule and its compliance deadline is set for April 24, 2026.
All websites and mobile apps provided by state and local governments (including public universities) are accessible to people with disabilities. Websites and mobile apps must be designed and created by following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1 Level AA.
The effective date of compliance is April 24, 2026.
All university faculty, instructors, staff, and students on the Norman, OU Health Campus, and OU-Tulsa campuses who create or maintain digital content.
Yes, there are exceptions to the rule. Review the ADA's summary of the exceptions which include:
See Oklahoma ABLE Tech's ADA Title II Accessibility Roadmap for additional clarifications of the exceptions.
Digital accessibility means that digital resources (websites, videos, documents, etc.) can be used by people with disabilities. These disabilities may range from auditory or visual to cognitive or physical/motor.
One of the great aspects of the internet is how it can improve access for people with disabilities. For example, blind or low-vision people can use screen readers to receive content audibly or through refreshable braille displays, and people with motor disabilities (who may not be able to navigate with a mouse) can use assistive devices like mouth wands or alternative keyboards.
Those with disabilities are not the only ones who benefit from accessible design. As a matter of fact, accessible design improves access and content for everyone.
A few examples of people who particularly benefit from various accessibility guidelines include:
When we prioritize accessibility, we open our digital doors to a wider audience and support a more connected and equitable learning environment. It is not only a best practice, it is a vital step in making sure our community thrives together.
As a public university, OU is committed to inclusion for all. Digital accessibility:
Log in using your OU Net ID and password to watch the ADA Title II Update presented by Marci Gracey, JD, OU Associate Vice President of Institutional Equity and Interim Title IX Coordinator/Institutional Equity Office, and Laurie Necasek, MSW, Digital Accessibility Consultant.
