Clemson continues digital accessibility progress with updated federal timeline

On April 20, the U.S. Department of Justice extended the compliance date for the updated web accessibility rule. The new compliance date for Clemson University is April 26, 2027.

“Regardless of the compliance dates, covered entities have an ongoing obligation to ensure that their services, programs, and activities offered using web content and mobile apps are accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with their existing obligations under title II of the ADA.”

Excerpt from the recent DOJ update published in the Federal Register

While the timeline for the updated rule has changed, Clemson remains committed to meeting its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and University policy. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards apply to digital content and services, including websites, mobile apps, electronic documents, course materials, online marketing, email and social media.

For guidance and support, faculty and staff are encouraged to:

• Review the Digital Accessibility webpage for an overview of the accessibility concepts and step-by-step guidance.
• Review materials for accessibility. Prioritize high-impact content that is available to wider audiences (public content, large classes, etc.)
• Use Panorama in Canvas to identify and resolve accessibility issues in course content.
• Submit technology solutions, including software and third-party websites, to CheckIT for review.
• Review the original announcement on updated digital accessibility standards for the complete list of resources and guidance.

Accessibility is a collective responsibility and an ongoing commitment rooted in continuous improvement. Clemson faculty and staff are making significant strides towards conformance with accessibility standards. The shared focus should remain on steady improvement, making accessibility part of everyday practice. For support and more information, contact the Digital Accessibility team.