Introduction
At Central Virginia Community College, accessibility is more than a requirement, it is part of who we are. We are committed to creating digital spaces that reflect our values of accessibility, usability, and belonging for every member of our community.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Title II regulations provide both a mandate and an opportunity to strengthen our digital ecosystem. These requirements impact nearly every area of campus life, from public-facing websites and enrollment communications to teaching, learning, and administrative processes. They make clear that accessibility must be embedded in everything we create and share, including course content, web pages, emails, PDFs, forms, and third-party tools.
By prioritizing accessibility in our daily work, we help ensure that all students, employees, and community members can fully engage with the information, services, and opportunities CVCC provides. Accessibility is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming digital environment for everyone.
Background
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice finalized updated regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These strengthened expectations require state and local government entities, including public colleges and universities, to ensure that all digital content and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Under the new rule, web content, mobile applications, and digital platforms used by students, employees, and the public must meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. These standards ensure that content is:
- Perceivable
- Operable
- Understandable
- Robust
This requirement applies whether content is developed on campus, created by a vendor, or provided through a third-party platform. Institutions are expected to maintain ongoing accessibility efforts through training, policy development, monitoring, and accessible procurement.
The regulations apply broadly across campus, including:
- Instructional content: LMS materials, videos, documents, presentations
- Student services: registration, advising, orientation, communication systems
- Administrative systems: HR tools, procurement, internal portals
- Public-facing websites
Limited exceptions may apply, such as certain archived content or third-party materials outside of CVCC’s control, but these must be narrowly interpreted and clearly documented. Our responsibility includes reviewing and remediating content to ensure equitable access for all users.