Understanding Digital Accessibility Laws and Rules

UT Tyler is a public institution. That means federal and state laws require us to ensure our digital content, systems, and services are accessible to people with disabilities. These requirements apply to everyone who creates, uses, or manages digital information.

An overview of the accessibility requirements that apply to UT Tyler.

What Is ADA Title II?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law. Title II of the ADA applies to state and local government entities, including public universities.

Title II requires that people with disabilities have equal access to programs, services, and activities provided by public entities. This includes services delivered through websites, mobile apps, electronic documents, and digital systems.

In simple terms: if UT Tyler provides information or services digitally, they must be accessible to people with disabilities.

What Is the DOJ Title II Web and Mobile Rule?

In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a Web and Mobile Rule that explains how Title II applies specifically to web, mobile apps, and digital content.

This rule requires state and local government entities to ensure that their digital content meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. This includes web pages, web-based (cloud) apps, electronic documents, videos, and mobile applications.

The purpose of the rule is to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing government services online, such as education, healthcare, employment, and administrative services.

What Are Texas Administrative Code Chapters 206 and 213?

Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapters 206 and 213 are state rules that apply to Texas agencies and institutions of higher education, including UT Tyler.

Chapter 206 focuses on the accessibility of state and higher education websites. It requires that institutional websites meet accessibility standards so that people with disabilities can access information online.

Chapter 213 applies more broadly to electronic and information resources, including software applications, digital documents, multimedia, and systems used or provided by the university.

Together, these rules require UT Tyler to consider accessibility when creating, purchasing, maintaining, or using digital technology.

What This Means for UT Tyler Employees

Creating, purchasing, or utilizing digital content like web pages, multimedia, and electronic documents
Procuring software, web applications, or other digital systems

Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility that supports equitable access for students, employees, patients, and the public. These requirements are not limited to IT. They apply to academic, administrative, medical, clinical, and support areas across the university.