As a public higher education institution, UMass Amherst strives to ensure that all digital resources and content are accessible to students, staff, faculty, visitors, and the public regardless of abilities. This requirement is in direct alignment within our For the Common Good values of Inclusion, Respect, and Public Engagement, as well as outlined in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Our approach to digital accessibility is grounded in a belief that inclusive excellence is a shared responsibility and an ongoing process. Our guiding principles for this effort include:
- Making continuous, incremental progress toward compliance in the near-term, knowing we will continue to make improvements in the longer-term
- Leveraging existing tools and services that support accessibility, and investing in scalable, long-term solutions as funding permits
- Developing habits and workflows that support sustainable, student-centered teaching practices
What is Title II of the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law that protects the rights of people with physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life function. These include (but are not limited to) walking, talking, breathing, thinking, seeing, hearing or working. It also applies to persons who have a record of having substantial impairment or are regarded as having such an impairment.
Title II of the ADA applies to all state and local agencies defined as "public entities". It requires that these public entities ensure their programs, events, and services be made accessible to persons with disability so as to not discriminate against them. UMass Amherst counts as a public entity.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has updated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), introducing significant changes that will impact public universities and their employees. These revisions require that all digital content and services provided by public entities, including higher education institutions, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The DOJ established a deadline of April 24, 2027 for all digital content and services to be accessible.
What Does Digital Accessibility Mean?
Digital accessibility means creating digital content and tools that can be effectively used by everyone, including people with disabilities, whether visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive. When we design and develop with accessibility in mind, we create better experiences for all users. Some examples of digital content include department websites and pages, web and mobile applications, event flyers, digital documents and forms, learning management platforms (LMS), and videos.
Why Does This Matter?
Accessible digital content removes barriers for people with disabilities, ensures compliance with state and federal law, and improves usability for everyone.
How Does This Apply to Me?
We have resources for both faculty and staff to understand how Title II applies to you as either staff or faculty.
Digital Accessibility Tips
Digital accessibility ensures websites, documents, and digital tools can be used easily by everyone, including people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities. We have resources to help you to improve the accessibility of your digital content—such as websites, multimedia, and classroom materials—with these best practices.
IDEAS Accessibility Hub
UMass Instructional Design, Engagement, and Support (IDEAS) has many resources to help you meet accessibility needs. The goal of UMass STRIVES for Accessibility is to break down the most important accessibility practices for instructors. In each step they provide, you’ll get an overview of the practice, how to apply it, why it improves accessibility, and how to use tools at UMass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help or Have a Question?
If you need help locating an accessibility resource at UMass Amherst or have a question or comment about our services, please fill out this form.
Additional Resources
Explore these additional campus resources and information from the ADA