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New Federal Accessibility Rule

Home » New Federal Accessibility Rule

What It Means for Content Editors

On April 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice finalized a new digital accessibility rule. This rule requires all state and local government websites and mobile apps to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. For the UT System, this means all campuses—including UTC—must be in full compliance by April 24, 2026.

At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, our compliance plan is built around more than just checking boxes. We’re committed to making our digital spaces usable for everyone. Accessibility ensures equal opportunity for all users, reduces legal risk, and improves clarity and usability for everyone.

Training Update

Most of you have already completed accessibility training in Silktide. However, due to the expanded federal requirements, we have added three new online training videos in addition to the existing three. They are Don’t be Afraid of…, WCAG 2.2,  and What in the World is WCAG? Please set aside time to complete these courses at your earliest convenience.

  • Deadline: All training must be finished by December 31, 2025, in tandem with UT System’s annual compliance requirements.
  • Key Focus: Accessibility applies not only to web pages but also to PDF documents. Every public-facing PDF must meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Over the years, thousands of PDFs have been uploaded to UTC websites, and we are now conducting a full inventory. We need your help to determine which files can be removed or archived, which must be updated for compliance, and—ideally—which could be converted into accessible web pages (this option is strongly encouraged). Archived PDFs do not need remediation, but they must include a clear “archive” label and URL indicator.

    Additionally, this fall, we are partnering with the Walker Center for Teaching and Learning to provide live PDF accessibility training, offered in addition to the Silktide training webinars. The sessions will be presented online through Zoom, with three different dates and times available for your convenience. You only need to attend one session, and each will include time for Q&A. Training options available are as follows (choose one that you are interested in):

  • Vendor Sites: Content editors must also review the accessibility compliance of any vendor-managed websites or platforms they use. If you work with a vendor site, notify the Accessibility Task Force so we can track compliance and provide support. In addition, you will need to include a disclaimer on your pages when linking to 3rd-party content. The disclaimer should notify users that while UTC has made every effort to ensure accessibility, the university cannot guarantee full accessibility for information provided by external vendors.

    Example:
    Disclaimer: This page contains links or embedded content from a third-party vendor. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has made every effort to ensure the accessibility of this content. However, because the material is hosted and maintained by an external provider, UTC cannot guarantee that all aspects meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. If you encounter any barriers to access, please contact accessibility@utc.edu for assistance. 

Your active participation ensures UTC stays ahead of the federal deadline and equips you with the knowledge to apply accessibility standards in your daily content work.

For additional guidance—beyond your Silktide training—on making web pages and PDFs accessible, please visit our articles in our Knowledge Base.

Accessibility Task Force

To support these efforts, UTC has formed a new Accessibility Task Force made up of personnel from across multiple campus units. This cross-functional team will help coordinate compliance, provide guidance, and ensure consistent progress toward meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

Each content editor will be connected with a Task Force member. They will reach out to you directly to discuss your role in compliance, answer questions, and help identify accessibility improvements in your area. This ensures that responsibility is clear, support is available, and no one is left navigating accessibility requirements alone.

What’s Ahead

Key Deadline

Roadmap Highlights

(Items in red indicate that UTC Content Editor attention is needed.)

  • Clarify requirements: Review DOJ guidance and WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
  • Accessibility Task Force: A cross-campus team to lead compliance efforts.
  • Defined roles: Clear accountability for IT, faculty, staff, and communications.
  • Campus-wide policies applied: Accessibility built into all digital processes.
  • Training and communication: Workshops and updates for editors and stakeholders.
  • Full inventory: Catalog all websites, apps, documents, videos, and PDFs.
  • Testing and fixes: Automated scans + manual reviews to uncover and resolve issues.
  • Vendor checks: Ensure 3rd-party tools also meet WCAG standards and disclaimers are posted.
  • User testing: Partner with the Signal Center to validate improvements with real users.
  • Ongoing oversight: A new Accessibility Subcommittee within the Web Governance Council will keep accessibility a permanent focus.

Why This Matters to You as a Content Editor

  • Your role is critical. Accessibility isn’t just a developer task. Editors ensure headings, alt text, links, and documents are clear and usable.
  • Compliance is shared. Everyone who creates or updates content helps UTC meet these standards.
  • Better experience for all. Accessible content isn’t just for people with disabilities—it makes sites clearer and easier for everyone to use.

Benefits for the University

  • Equal opportunity and access for all users
  • Reduced legal and compliance risks
  • Improved usability and digital experience
  • Stronger culture of accountability and collaboration

Next Steps: Complete the required training in Silktide, including the three new videos, by December 31, 2025. Choose one of the PDF online training sessions presented by the WCTL and add it to your calendar. Expect outreach from your assigned Accessibility Task Force representative in the coming months. Begin improving your site with the recommendations made in Silktide. Review PDFs uploaded to your site for archiving, remediation, or webpage conversion. Small actions now will help us stay ahead of the April 2026 deadline.

Contact the UTC Web Team for assistance if you have any questions.