A University’s Guide To Accessibility Compliance
By: Emilie Brown
Digital Marketing Strategist, PREP
Picture Courtesy of Freepik
Introduction
In today’s age, university accessibility is more than a regulatory requirement, it is a reflection of an institution’s commitment to equity and inclusion. As digital education expands and campuses evolve, universities must ensure that all students, staff, and visitors can fully access both academic and non-academic experiences. Staying compliant with university accessibility laws requires proactive planning, regular audits, and a strong culture of inclusion.
This article outlines key areas where institutions should focus their efforts, from digital accessibility in universities to physical accessibility in universities, to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Understanding Accessibility Laws
University accessibility laws have become more defined and increasingly important. Federal regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require that students with disabilities have equal access to all aspects of university life, whether in the classroom, online, or on campus. Recent updates have also placed a stronger emphasis on digital accessibility in universities, making it essential for institutions to follow standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.
With AI tools now widely used to monitor compliance, universities are expected to be more proactive and consistent in maintaining accessibility. Failing to meet these legal requirements can result in serious consequences, including lawsuits, loss of funding, and reputational harm. Compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a key step in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Key Areas Where Universities Must Ensure Compliance
To comply with university accessibility laws, institutions must ensure that both their digital content and physical spaces are fully inclusive. This includes all digital content accessibility, accessible websites, learning platforms, course materials, communication channels, events, buildings, and transportation.
The following sections provide a breakdown of how universities can meet these requirements effectively.
Part 1: Digital Accessibility
As classrooms and services shift online, digital accessibility in universities becomes an essential part of compliance. Universities must ensure that all students can access and interact with online content and systems.
University Websites & Portals
A university’s website is the digital front door to its campus, and institutions must consider ways to make accessible web design. The website must:
● Fully comply with WCAG 2.2 standards, including proper color contrast, alt text, and keyboard navigability.
● Ensure all navigation menus, forms, and downloadable content are compatible with assistive technologies.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
An institution’s LMS should:
● Support screen readers and keyboard-only navigation.
● Offer closed captions or transcripts for multimedia content.
● Ensure that assignments, quizzes, and discussion forums are fully accessible to all users.
This ensures that no student is left behind due to digital limitations.
Course Materials and Learning Resources
All instructional materials shared with students, including PDFs, Word documents, and slide presentations, should be designed with accessibility in mind, starting with creating an accessible syllabus:
● Use structured headings and maintain logical reading order.
● Include alt text for all images and visual elements.
● Ensure compatibility with screen readers.
Investing in document accessibility not only supports students with disabilities but also improves usability for all learners by making content clearer and more navigable.
Digital Communication
Whether it is an email, event announcement, or weekly newsletter, all digital communication must be accessible:
● Use clear language and semantic formatting.
● Avoid image-only content that lacks descriptive alt text.
Social media content should also include alt text for images and captions for videos to ensure accessibility across all platforms.
Virtual Events and Online Classes
To make virtual learning inclusive, universities should:
● Provide live captioning and ASL interpretation during webinars and classes.
● Offer accessible chat and Q&A features.
● Distribute event materials in accessible formats both before and after sessions.
These practices ensure equal participation for all attendees.
Part 2: Physical Accessibility
Despite the growth of online education, physical spaces continue to play a vital role in learning. Physical accessibility in universities ensures that every campus visitor, faculty member, and student can navigate, engage, and learn without encountering barriers.
Entrances and Pathways
Universities must ensure that campuses include the following:
● Ramps, elevators, tactile signage, and accessible entryways.
● Wide, automatic doors and curb cuts to accommodate wheelchair users.
These features should be present in all primary academic buildings and residence halls.
Classrooms and Lecture Halls
Inclusive classrooms should include the following:
● Wheelchair-accessible seating options.
● Adjustable furniture, podiums, and laboratory stations.
● Assistive listening systems for students with hearing impairments.
Universities should also provide training to faculty and staff on inclusive classroom practices.
Libraries and Study Spaces
University libraries should:
● Provide workstations equipped with screen readers or magnification tools.
● Ensure that digital catalogs and self-service kiosks are fully accessible.
● Offer study areas with varied lighting, quiet zones, and adjustable seating to meet diverse student needs.
Transportation and Campus Navigation
To promote campus accessibility, institutions should:
● Offer accessible shuttles with audio support and trained personnel.
● Clearly mark designated drop-off zones and building entrances.
● Provide wayfinding tools such as tactile campus maps and mobile apps with audio navigation features.
These measures promote independent travel and enhance overall safety.
Health and Administrative Services
University health and administrative services must be accessible to all individuals:
● Online booking platforms and forms should meet digital accessibility standards.
● In-person services must offer alternative communication formats.
Staff across departments, from front-desk teams to advisors, should be trained in disability awareness and inclusive communication.
Conclusion
University accessibility laws are more than a legal obligation, they are a path toward building an inclusive and supportive educational environment. By prioritizing both digital accessibility in universities and physical accessibility in universities, institutions demonstrate a strong commitment to equity and excellence in higher education. Accessibility benefits everyone, students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors. Institutions should begin by auditing existing systems and policies. Utilizing resources such as document accessibility and making accessible web design will support continuous improvement. With the right strategies, universities can build a future where every learner feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.