Digital Accessibility Compliance Group | 2025-26

In April 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a new rule under Title II of the ADA, which outlines clear requirements (WCAG 2.1 AA) for ensuring web content and mobile applications are accessible to individuals with disabilities. All state and local governments, including public schools and universities, have until April 2026 or April 2027 to comply with this rule, depending on the size of the population they serve. 

While Carleton is not a public entity subject to Title II, private colleges are subject to Title III of the ADA, which applies to “places of public accommodations,” such as businesses open to the public. Courts have consistently upheld that web accessibility barriers constitute violations of Title III requirements, and private educational entities risk legal action if they fail to meet ADA requirements. 

Content these rules apply to: websites, mobile apps, social media content, electronic documents (PDFs), live and pre-recorded videos, web content and apps from third-party organizations.

Charge

Carleton strives to be in compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA digital accessibility standards by April 2026. The Digital Accessibility Compliance Group will:

  1. Review official documents and resources from the DOJ, as well as available best practices for higher education institutions, and use that knowledge to conduct an internal scan and review of carleton.edu and its directly affiliated sites, including athletics.carleton.edu, carleton.bncollege.com, carleton.cafebonappetit.com, and sites.carleton.edu. 
  2. Develop a report that includes an inventory of current accessibility issues that must be addressed, as well as a plan and timeline for correction. Share and discuss this report with the Technology Planning & Priorities Committee.
  3. Implement necessary changes across carleton.edu and its affiliated sites, working with campus partners and website maintainers as needed. 
  4. Ensure Carleton’s relevant training materials — including the digital accessibility guide, WordPress 101 training website, social media guide, and e-newsletter guide — are comprehensive and up to date with the new standards.  
  5. Communicate with campus website maintainers, social media managers, and video creators and distributors about the new rules and need to comply. 
  6. Establish a regular process for auditing carleton.edu, college social media channels, and college videos for compliance. 

Group Members

  • Carolyn Livingston, ADA coordinator and vice president for student life and dean of students
  • Sam Thayer, director of the Office of Accessibility Resources, IEC
  • Sarah Scofield, web analytics and training strategist, Communications
  • David Huyck, senior web application developer, ITS
  • Mavis Gustafson, enterprise software business analyst, ITS