Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II
Accessibility is our shared responsibility.
Enacted in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law that guarantees people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs. Creating a living, learning, and working environment that respects the civil rights protected by the ADA and other laws is something that all UND employees have a part in creating.
2024 Digital Accessibility Rule
On April 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published a new rule on digital accessibility under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This rule requires the University’s mobile apps and web content, including academic course content, meet technical accessibility standards starting on April 24, 2026.
Visit AccessibleUND to learn about training opportunities and additional resources to make your content accessible.
Public entities like UND often deliver services and programs through websites and mobile apps, which can create access barriers for people with disabilities when not designed with accessibility in mind. The new rule aims to ensure that all people with disabilities have full and equal access to public entities services, programs, and activities available on mobile apps and websites.
The new rule covers all web-based content used by students or the public. This includes:- public-facing websites
- course content within Blackboard Ultra, LEO, or another LMS
- PDFs, PowerPoints, and other similar file types posted on a website or within a LMS
- web-based software, SaaS, and similar products
- mobile applications (apps)
- social media accounts
UND’s definition of compliance is the same as the regulatory definition: the digital content meets WCAG Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA unless one of the very narrow exemptions apply. While most people won't need become familiar with all technical criteria, they should understand the guiding principles of WCAG and learn accessibility best practices for the digital content they create.
In limited situations, some kinds of web and mobile app content may not have to meet the technical standard. These exceptions, described in Dept. of Justice's Rule Guidance and FAQs, include:
Archived Web Content
Content not currently used or altered since being archived by a public entity, and kept only for reference, research, or recordkeeping purposes. Such content should clearly be labeled as archived and should include contact information for a user to request an accessible version.
Any content that is used by students as part of a course on or after April 24, 2026 is not eligible for this exemption.
ABOUT UND Website Accessibility
Preexisting Electronic Documents
Documents available on a website or mobile app before April 2026.
Any content that is used by students as part of a course on or after April 24, 2026 is not eligible for this exemption.
Third-Party Content
Content posted by third parties, unless the third party is posting due to contractual, licensing, or other arrangements with the public entity.
This exception would cover comments made by a third party on a UND blog or social media post. It would not cover any software or content UND purchases.
Individualized Password-Protected Documents
Password-protected or otherwise secured documents about a specific person, property, or account, e.g. a PDF of a tuition bill.
Preexisting Social Media Posts
Social media posts made before April 24, 2026.
Department of Justice Resources
- DOJ fact sheet: A high-level summary of the new rule provided by the Department of Justice.
- Final DOJ Rule: The full length rule on web and mobile app accessibility as published in the Federal Register.
The Civil Rights & Title IX Office can provide additional information on the rule and guidance on how it may apply to your content.