All university communications, information technology, services, programs, and activities, whether in the context of classrooms or for public and internal use, must be accessible by law. More importantly, it is our duty as public educators and thought leaders to provide equal access to all that the institution offers.
As a higher education institution, we must be vigilant regarding the ever-changing landscape of emerging technologies used in courses, activities, services, and public information. All content creators within the university community—faculty, staff, and students—have a duty to become familiar with the legal and ethical requirements as outlined.
The university is responsible for:
- Providing resources, information, and education regarding best practices and methods for making communications (email, publications, social media, etc.) accessible.
- Ensuring that existing communications meet or exceed accessibility standards.
2024 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Updated Title II Regulations
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II regulations emphasize accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities in public institutions, including higher education. Key requirements include:
- Digital Accessibility: Universities must ensure websites, online learning platforms, and digital content comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Level 2.1 AA at a minimum, making them usable for individuals with disabilities.
- Physical Accessibility: Campuses must maintain accessible facilities, including classrooms, dormitories, libraries, and recreational spaces. This includes ramps, elevators, signage, and accessible seating.
- Programmatic Accessibility: The University must offer services, programs, and activities that are accessible, including athletics, student programming, University sponsored events, curricular and non-curricular experiences, etc.
- Effective Communication: Institutions must provide auxiliary aids and services (e.g., sign language interpreters, captioning for videos, braille materials) to ensure effective communication with students, staff, and visitors with disabilities.
- Policy Updates: Universities are required to update policies and procedures to address accessibility barriers proactively and ensure compliance with ADA standards.
- Training and Awareness: Staff and faculty must be trained on ADA compliance to support community members with disabilities effectively.
- Complaint Resolution: Institutions must establish clear processes for handling accessibility complaints and resolving issues promptly.
These regulations aim to establish equal access and equal opportunity to education and campus resources for all individuals.
System Policy on Accessibility
University of Tennessee System Policy IT0126 — Accessibility went into effect on October 16, 2015.