Dear colleagues,

As a follow-up to last week’s email regarding changes to federal digital accessibility requirements, we are writing to share an update following further review and consultation.

The U.S. Department of Justice has extended the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) digital accessibility rule compliance deadline from April 24, 2026 to April 26, 2027.

While this change provides additional time, it does not change the university’s goals or expectations and remains a requirement under the ADA. We remain committed to supporting the student experience and advancing equity and inclusion. This work reflects our responsibility to one another and to the communities we serve, not simply a response to a government requirement.

The University Digital Accessibility Initiative will continue its work as planned, with a focus on supporting faculty and staff with tools, guidance, and resources. This is reinforced by the university’s updated Digital Accessibility Policy, which affirms digital accessibility as an institutional responsibility and expectation. Everyone is required to continue making steady progress to improve their digital content.

We ask leaders to continue reinforcing the importance of digital accessibility within your schools, colleges, divisions, and units by:

• Forwarding this update to your employees.
• Directing faculty and staff to visit the Digital Accessibility Hub for news, tools, resources, and support.
• Reinforcing that digital accessibility should become part of our everyday routine.

Your leadership plays a critical role in sustaining momentum and aligning this work with our broader institutional priorities. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to create a more accessible digital experience for our students, employees, and community.

Sincerely,

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs John Zumbrunnen

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Robert Cramer

Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs, Compliance, and Enterprise Risk Management Nancy Lynch