English
Français
Nederlands
Español
When institutions and organizations comply with these rules, people with disabilities will have much more reliable access to critical services like registration, accessing information, applying for benefits, and participating in activities. This compliance also positions organizations to better serve all members of their community, including people with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities.
We’ve rounded up some frequently asked questions and a helpful resource to help educational institutions and organizations as they work to come into compliance ahead of the April 2026 and 2027 deadlines.
Q: What does the DOJ’s web accessibility rule require?
A: The rule requires all public educational institutions, state and local government organizations to make their web content and mobile apps accessible using WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. This includes websites, mobile apps, PDFs, videos, and other digital content used to provide services, programs, and activities to the public.
Q: What content must be accessible on our website?
A: All web content and mobile apps that provide services, programs or activities to the public. This includes:
- Student information systems and portals
- Learning management systems and online classrooms
- Government service websites and applications
- Online enrollment and registration systems
- Library resources and catalogs
- Maps and directories
- Event calendars and schedules
- Public service information
- Video content (requires captions)
- PDFs and downloadable documents
- Citizen portals and communication systems
Q: When are the compliance deadlines?
A: Compliance deadlines are based on the population your organization serves:
- Large institutions and organizations serving populations of 50,000 or more have until April 24, 2026 to comply
- Smaller institutions and organizations serving populations under 50,000 and special districts have until April 26, 2027
After coming into compliance, institutions and organizations must maintain ongoing compliance.
Q: Are there any exemptions to the requirements?
A: Yes, there are limited exemptions for:
- Archived web content (meeting strict criteria)
- Pre-existing conventional electronic documents
- Third-party content posted on government websites
- Password-protected individualized documents
- Pre-existing social media posts
It’s important to note that even exempt content may need to be provided in accessible formats upon request.
Q: What about other accessibility laws we’re already following?
A: The DOJ rule complements existing requirements but doesn’t replace them. Public institutions and organizations must continue to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 508, and others.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: There are a number of resources to help guide you:
YuJa – DOJ Web Accessibility Rule
YuJa Whitepaper – Understanding the DOJ’s New Rule
ADA.gov – DOJ’s Web Accessibility Rule
