ADA Deadline Extended — A Brief Reprieve to Get Accessibility Right
Dear Colleagues,
We're writing to share an important update on digital accessibility compliance.
On April 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice published an Interim Final Rule extending the compliance deadline for the ADA Title II web and mobile accessibility requirements. For public entities like UM, the compliance date has moved from April 24, 2026, to April 26, 2027. The reasons cited for the extension include resource constraints, staffing challenges, and slower-than-expected technological advancements.
What this means for UM — and what it doesn't
This extension provides welcome breathing room, but it does not change the underlying obligation. Title II of the ADA has required equal access to services, programs, and activities — including those delivered digitally — since 1990. The 2024 federal rule didn't create a new mandate; it clarified the technical standard (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) that public entities must meet. Additionally, UM has maintained its own digital accessibility policy since 2014: Digital Accessibility (Policy 1360). Although the deadline has shifted, the expectation has not.
The work you've done matters
We want to recognize the effort that's already underway across campus. Over the past year, faculty and staff have done meaningful and time-consuming work to make our digital content more accessible by improving courses in Canvas, remediating documents, and addressing issues across our website. Behind every fixed heading structure, captioned video, and properly tagged PDF is someone who chose to invest in making their work better for every user. That commitment matters, and it's making a real difference for our students, colleagues, and community.
What we're asking
Please continue the work you've started. Use this additional time to go deeper — not to slow down. Resources and support continue to be available:
- Request document review and remediation through Accessible Technology Services (ATS).
- Schedule time with a LEAD instructional designer for one-on-one guidance.
- Consult with Mansfield Library staff to find accessible versions of course materials.
- Connect with the Office for Disability Equity (ODE) for accommodation-related questions.
Look for additional trainings and opportunities in the coming year to continue improving the accessibility of your digital content. Deadlines may shift, but the reason we do this work doesn't — every accessible document, video, webpage and Canvas course means fewer barriers between students and their education, and a more inclusive experience for the staff, community members, and visitors we work with and serve. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to creating accessible digital experiences for everyone.
- The ADA committee