ADA Title II Digital Accessibility at the University of Arizona
Executive Summary (skim this first)
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued updated ADA Title II regulations in 2024 that require state and local government entities (including public universities) to ensure public-facing web content and mobile apps meet WCAG 2.1 AA by the applicable compliance date. The University of Arizona is well prepared, with established practices for website review, procurement, captioning, and accommodation workflows.
A key strategy for instructional accessibility is YuJa Panorama in D2L Brightspace, which helps scan course materials, provides accessibility scores, guides remediation, and can generate alternative formats.
Need help or want to report a barrier?
Contact the University of Arizona accessibility team at: accessibility@arizona.edu
What ADA Title II Means (Plain Language)
ADA Title II requires state and local government entities—including public universities—to ensure their programs, services, and activities are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes digital content such as:
- Websites and web pages
- Online services and forms
- Course materials and learning content
- Mobile applications and digital tools
University of Arizona Accessibility Resources (Campus “Go-To” Links)
Accessibility Hub
Disability Resource Center (DRC) Instructor Guidance
- Tips for Inclusive and Accessible Classrooms
https://drc.arizona.edu/instructors/tips-accessible-class - Creating an Inclusive and Accessible Class
https://drc.arizona.edu/instructors/accessible-class
YuJa Panorama + Brightspace
- YuJa Panorama (UA)
https://accessibility.arizona.edu/panorama - D2L Brightspace (UA)
https://d2l.arizona.edu/
Website Review & Scanning Support
Best Practices for Digital Accessibility (Quick Checklist)
- Use clear headings and structure (Headings, Lists, Reading Order)
- Provide alternative text for informative images; mark decorative images appropriately
- Caption videos accurately (and provide transcripts when appropriate)
- Design documents and slides with built-in styles and logical structure
- Use accessibility checker tools (including YuJa Panorama where available)
- Review and remediate regularly—accessibility is an ongoing practice
- Stay updated through UA workshops and announcements
Reporting and Support
If you need assistance or want to report a digital accessibility barrier: accessibility@arizona.edu
Key Federal Resources (DOJ + Official Rule Information)
DOJ Title II Overview
- ADA Title II: State and Local Governments (Overview)
https://www.ada.gov/topics/title-ii/
2024 DOJ Rule: Web and Mobile App Accessibility
- Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps (Title II)
https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/ - First Steps Toward Complying with the ADA Title II Web & Mobile App Rule
https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-rule-first-steps/ - Small Entity Compliance Guide (still useful as a plain-language explanation)
https://www.ada.gov/resources/small-entity-compliance-guide/
Official Rule Publication / Full Rule Text
- Federal Register: Official rule publication record
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/24/2024-07758/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web-information-and-services-of-state - DOJ Web Rule PDF (full rule text and explanation)
https://www.ada.gov/assets/pdfs/web-rule.pdf
DOJ Web Accessibility Guidance
- DOJ Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA
https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-guidance/
National ADA Help
- ADA Information Line
https://www.ada.gov/infoline/ - ADA.gov Home
https://www.ada.gov/
Accessibility Standards and Core Guidance
WCAG 2.1 AA (the Standard Referenced by the Rule)
- WCAG 2.1 (W3C Technical Specification)
https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ - WCAG Overview (W3C WAI)
https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/
Web Accessibility Basics (Helpful Primers)
- Introduction to Web Accessibility (W3C WAI)
https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-intro/ - Accessibility Fundamentals (W3C WAI)
https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/ - WebAIM Introduction to Web Accessibility
https://webaim.org/intro/
Section 508 FAQ (Commonly Related/Overlapping)
- ICT Accessibility FAQ (Section508.gov)
https://www.section508.gov/manage/accessibility-faq/