News and Announcements

Update on Department of Justice Title II Digital Accessibility Compliance Timeline

Posted: 2026-04-22 08:52:49   Expired: 2026-04-23 08:52:49

Disclaimer: This news item was originally posted on 2026-04-22 08:52:49. Its content may no longer be timely or accurate.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) in the Federal Register on Monday, April 20. The IFR extends the compliance deadline for Title II digital accessibility standards by one year.

What this means for our university

  • The effective compliance date for Title II digital accessibility requirements is now April 26, 2027.
  • The purpose of this extension is to provide public entities additional time to:
    • Plan for compliance
    • Inventory web and mobile content
    • Build sustainable, long‑term accessibility workflows.

What has not changed

  • The substance of the 2024 Title II accessibility rule remains unchanged, including requirements related to websites, mobile applications, and covered digital content.
  • System Policy SYS 655 remains in effect unless and until we communicate otherwise. Please continue following existing expectations and timelines.

Next steps

UW System Administration leadership will meet to determine whether this federal deadline extension will result in any adjustments to SYS 655 timelines or implementation guidance. We will share updates as soon as more information is available.

Helpful Tips

Does this mean we can pause our digital accessibility work?

No. Please continue all current digital accessibility efforts and timelines. SYS 655 remains in effect, and the underlying federal accessibility requirements have not changed.

Are we required to meet any new standards right away?

No new standards were introduced in this notice. The IFR only extends the federal compliance deadline; it does not change the technical or legal requirements established in 2024.

How should faculty and staff prioritize their work now?

Continue focusing on:

  • Creating accessible new content
  • Addressing high‑impact and high‑use content
  • Using approved accessibility tools and guidance
  • Engaging with accessibility support resources available on campus.

Will campus or system timelines change?

UW System Administration is reviewing the IFR and will communicate any revisions to SYS 655 timelines or expectations.

Why is this extension important?

The DOJ recognized that higher education institutions face real challenges, especially with complex academic and STEM materials, and that sustainable, thoughtful implementation leads to better long‑term accessibility outcomes.

We appreciate your continued efforts toward improving digital accessibility and supporting equitable access for all users. While this is a potential timeline change, this does not change our commitment to digital accessibility and the importance of this work. It will remain an expected part of how we create, procure, and maintain our digital tools and content. 

 

Please watch for further updates as guidance evolves.

-- UW Stout
KnowledgeBase: Heidi Catlin