ADA Title II Digital Accessibility

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty, staff, and members of the public have equal access to the university’s digital information and technology. In compliance with the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) 2024 update to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), CSUB will make all digital content and services accessible by April 24, 2026, following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards.

Overview of the ADA Title II Digital Accessibility Rule

In April 2024, the DOJ finalized a rule that requires state and local government entities, including public universities such as CSU campuses, to make their web content, mobile applications, and digital materials accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes all electronic content used to deliver programs, services, and activities, including websites and online forms, as well as course materials and digital communications.

For large public entities like CSUB, the compliance deadline is April 24, 2026. This aligns with the CSU systemwide Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) and reinforces the CSU’s ongoing commitment to equal access.

CSUB’s Commitment to Accessibility

CSUB follows the CSU Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) and Executive Order 1111, which mandate accessibility for all information technology acquisitions, instructional materials, and campus websites. Accessibility is an institutional responsibility shared across all departments, faculty, and staff. Our goal is to provide an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can access and use information technology effectively.

Who Must Comply

The ADA Title II rule applies to all CSU faculty, staff, departments, and vendors who create, post, or manage digital content. Examples include:

  • Faculty posting instructional materials in Canvas or on department websites
  • Staff publishing public documents or reports online
  • Web administrators maintaining campus sites
  • Vendors and contractors providing digital tools or learning materials

What Needs to Be Accessible

All digital content that supports instruction, communication, or public service must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Covered materials include:

  • Websites and online forms
  • Canvas course materials (Word, PowerPoint, PDF, images, videos, etc.)
  • Campus applications and portals
  • Public communications, newsletters, and downloadable files
  • Mobile apps and multimedia content

Documents used in active courses or administrative functions after April 24, 2026, must be accessible. Only pre-existing materials that are not used in active instruction or programs and are clearly identified as archived may remain exempt.

Preparing for Compliance

CSUB’s Information Technology Services (ITS), Faculty Teaching and Learning Center (FTLC), and the Center for Accessibility and Essential Needs (CAEN) are leading campus efforts to prepare for the 2026 compliance deadline. Campus actions include:

  • Conducting a comprehensive audit of web and instructional content
  • Providing accessibility training for faculty and staff
  • Implementing UDOIT for Canvas and Pope Tech for accessibility checking
  • Developing a Temporary Alternative Access Plan (TAAP) process for exceptions

Archived Content Information

The DOJ rule allows limited exceptions for archived content, materials created or posted before April 24, 2026, that are no longer in active use. Archived content may remain available without full remediation if:

  • It was created or posted prior to April 24, 2026
  • It is clearly labeled as archived
  • It is not used to deliver current courses, services, or communications

If archived materials are requested by a person with a disability, the university will provide accessible versions upon request.

Faculty and Staff Support

Faculty and staff can take proactive steps to meet accessibility standards by:

  • Using built-in accessibility checkers in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat
  • Running Canvas UDOIT reports to identify issues
  • Adding alternative text to images and ensuring document headings are properly structured
  • Captioning videos and using accessible media players

Training sessions and individualized support are available through ITS in coordination with FTLC.

This federal rule from the U.S. Department of Justice requires public entities to make digital content and services accessible to individuals with disabilities by following WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
As a large public entity, CSUB must meet compliance standards by April 24, 2026.
Only if they are actively used. Pre-existing materials may remain as archived content if they are not in current use, are unmodified, and are clearly identified as archival.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA define how to make web and digital content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with disabilities.
A Temporary Alternative Access Plan (TAAP) can be created to provide accessible alternatives until remediation is complete.
Faculty and staff can contact the Accessibility Resource Team at accessibility@csub.edu or the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities for support.

References and Resources