As of April 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice has extended the deadline for digital accessibility compliance to April 26, 2027. This mandate applies to all state and local government websites and mobile applications, requiring them to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA standards. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is committed to ensuring full compliance by the new deadline, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for all users.
At UTC, our approach to compliance training goes beyond mere box-ticking. We believe in creating digital spaces that are usable for everyone, promoting equal opportunity, reducing legal risks, and enhancing clarity and usability. To support our personnel in meeting these standards, we have introduced three new online training videos alongside the existing modules. These resources cover key topics such as understanding WCAG guidelines and the importance of accessibility in digital content.
One crucial aspect of compliance is ensuring that not just web pages, but also PDF documents, meet accessibility standards. With thousands of PDFs on UTC websites, we are conducting a thorough inventory to identify files that require updating for compliance. We encourage the conversion of PDFs into accessible web pages whenever possible, and provide resources such as live training sessions and webinars to support this effort.
Collaborating with the Walker Center for Teaching and Learning, UTC offers training on creating accessible PDFs, as well as resources for improving accessibility in programs like Word, InDesign, and Adobe Acrobat. These initiatives aim to equip personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that all digital content meets WCAG standards and is accessible to individuals using assistive technologies.
When it comes to images, UTC emphasizes the importance of making them accessible to all users. Text included within images should be avoided, as screen readers are unable to interpret this content. Instead, concise alternative text should be added to describe the purpose and essential information conveyed visually. By focusing on what users need to understand from an image, rather than providing a detailed description, we can enhance the inclusivity of our digital content.
As we move towards the new compliance deadline, UTC remains dedicated to promoting accessibility and ensuring that all digital content meets the necessary standards. By providing comprehensive training resources, conducting audits of existing materials, and encouraging best practices in content creation, we are committed to creating a more inclusive online environment for our users.