Dear UC Berkeley Community,
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has made changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that add newrequirements for websites, web content, and online systems and applications. In turn, the UC Office of the President (UCOP) has proposed a revised version of the current UC System-wide Information Technology AccessibilityPolicy (ITAP) to incorporate the changes in federal regulation. This message is to inform the Berkeley community of these changes, plus invite review and feedback on the proposed revised policyin accordance with UCOP’s Policy process.
What is changing?
By April 24, 2026, all websites, online content, and digital applications and systems—even if the content exists behind a login or is used only by certain groups, like students, faculty or staff—are included in the scope of the ADA Title II regulations and must meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards
The most challenging change from Berkeley’s current web accessibility program is the expansion of the requirement to non-public facing content, including all digital instructional content, websites, applications, as well as Library Digital Collections.
The types of Berkeley content and tools covered under these updated rules include:
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Websites and web content, including browser-based platforms and apps.
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Academic technologies and instructional digital content (e.g., bCourses).
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Digital files like PDFs, slides, and spreadsheets.
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Mobile apps.
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Social media.
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Tools, platforms, or content from third-party vendors.
Where can I review the proposed revision of the UCOP Information Technology Accessibility Policy and provide my feedback?
Please visit the Policies under Review page on the UC Berkeley Office of Ethics, Risk, and Compliance Services website for a link to the Policy and the email to submit your comments. The comment period ends Dec. 19, 2025. The Policy name is Systemwide Review of Proposed Presidential Policy IMT-1300: Information Technology Accessibility.
What do I need to do now to comply with the change in federal law?
Review all digital content and tools for which you are responsible and ensure that it is accessible in accordance with WCAG 2.1 AA. For detailed information about the changes and the content and online systems that need to be accessible, please visit the webpage, Title II of the ADA: What does it mean for us?
What is the deadline for my content to meet the new federal standard (WCAG 2.1 AA)?
All required content must meet WCAG 2.1 AA requirements by April 24, 2026.
Who can I talk to with questions?
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For non-instructional online content, websites, and applications: Please visit the Digital Accessibility Program website for more information. If you have questions or if you would like to schedule a consultation with a digital accessibility team member, please email improving-accessibility@berkeley.edu
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For instructional content and tools: Please review the Accessibility in Teaching & Learning webpage on the Research, Teaching, & Learning (RTL) website for an overview of support for instructors. Questions can be directed to rtl-general@berkeley.edu
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For Library digital collections, websites, and applications :
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Please visit the Digital accessibility of Library collections. If you have questions, suggestions, or need support, reach out to helpbox-library@berkeley.edu
Thank you for your attention to providing the UC Berkeley community and the public with accessible digital content and tools.
Regards,
Ben Hermalin, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
Marc Fisher, Vice Chancellor for Administration
This message was sent to all Staff and Academic Non-Student Appointees.