In April 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) published a new ruling that requires all state and local governments, and their third-party vendors, to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Want to learn more about this ruling? Check out the comprehensive DOJ Fact Sheet and the summary.
Did you miss the memo? Don’t have time to read through the ruling? We’ve had others ask about this new ruling as well. So, today, we’ll take a break from our regularly scheduled “how to” blog and break down what you need to know.
Read on as we answer the question: “ADA Compliance Requirements: What Do I Need to Know?”
WCAG, What?
WCAG 2.1 AA outlines a set of guidelines to help ensure web content and other digital assets are user-friendly for all citizens, regardless of their abilities. You may have also heard it referred to as “508 compliance,” “ADA compliance,” or simply “accessibility.”
Regardless of what you call it, if you’re building e-learning for state or local entities, you’re required to develop with accessibility in mind.
Why Is It Important?
Making your e-learning accessible not only fulfills legal requirements, but also demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and equal access to learning for all.
Accessible content also improves the overall training experience, providing options for all learners, regardless of their unique needs or preferences. Don’t believe it?
Select each link to review how important it was for CVS and Kroger.
Even if you aren’t a state or local entity, or building e-learning for them, we hope you’ll still consider making your content accessible.
It’s just the right thing to do.
When?
The ruling stipulates that compliance is mandatory by April 2026 (for entities with more than 50,000 or more persons). And, April 2027 for special districts and those with under 49,999 persons.
Even though it’s not due until April 2026, you’ll want to start planning now. Compliance conversions and rebuilds can be complex and take time. It’s crucial to begin planning and budgeting for the necessary assessments and modifications well before the deadline.
Where Do I Start?
Set aside some time to take stock of how many courses you need to update. Working backwards from the ruling’s deadline, start planning for how many courses need to be updated per week or month.
From there, familiarize yourself with the WCAG compliance requirements and consider registering for Yukon Learning’s Creating Accessible E-Learning training.
You’ll also want to consider sourcing an accessibility testing service and developing an internal Accessibility Checklist.
How Can YL Help?
We’d love to help with your accessibility journey! We’re here however much or little you should need us.
Here are a few great resources to get you started:
- Virtual Training: Creating Accessible E-Learning in Articulate 360
- Webinar Recording and Resource Guide: My Course Isn’t Accessible, Now What?
- How YL Targets Each Level: Yukon Learning’s 2 Levels of Accessibility
- Consulting Help: Contact Us
We hope you’ve found this information useful! Please let us know as you need us from here.
Want More on This Topic?
For more on this topic, check out the following resources from Articulate and The Articulate Trainer blog:
Accessibility for E-Learning: Webinar Series 2023
Contrast Considerations for Accessible E-Learning
How Do I Create an E-Learning Accessibility Checklist?
How Do I Develop With Color Contrast in Mind?
Storyline 360: Our Accessibility Journey
Storyline 360: Modern Player Accessible Contrast
What is the definition of state or local entity
Hi Ruth! Here’s the information from the ruling:
Like the rest of Title II, the rule applies to all state and local governments (which includes any agencies or departments of state or local governments) as well as special purpose districts, Amtrak, and other commuter authorities. State and local governments that contract with other entities to provide public services for them (like non-profit organizations that run drug treatment programs on behalf of a state agency) also have to make sure that their contractors follow Title II. Examples of state and local governments include:
State and local government offices that provide benefits and/or social services, like food assistance, health insurance, or employment services
Public schools, community colleges, and public universities
State and local police departments
State and local courts
State and local elections offices
Public hospitals and public healthcare clinics
Public parks and recreation programs
Public libraries
Public transit agencies
For more information, please visit the ruling linked in our blog. Thanks and hope this helps!