Accessibility, Title II and Open Education
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued final regulations under Title II of the ADA establishing digital accessibility requirements that apply to public colleges and universities. As the compliance deadline for many institutions approaches this April, campuses are actively reviewing the accessibility of their websites, digital services, and instructional materials.
As part of these accessibility reviews, some campuses are encountering questions about open educational resources. Some involve the practical work of evaluating and remediating locally-created materials. Others reflect misconceptions about OER and the Title II requirements, even when many OER meet required standards and open licensing provides substantial flexibility to make improvements.
The compliance deadline matters, but this moment is really about recognizing that accessibility is not optional—it is foundational to full participation in education. The Open Education Association has collected the following resources to help practitioners navigate compliance questions while highlighting open education as a pathway toward greater accessibility.
February 17th Webinar
To support practitioners navigating Title II accessibility compliance and emerging questions about OER, the Open Education Association will be hosting a public webinar:
OER and Title II Accessibility Compliance: Separating Myths from Facts
This webinar will clarify what the new requirements mean in practice, address common misconceptions, and explore how to advocate for OER for greater accessibility in teaching and learning.
More Learning Opportunities
Additional Resources
For additional starting points, the following resources may be helpful:
Accessibility has always been part of open education’s promise: learning materials that can be adapted and improved to better meet learners’ needs. As institutions move toward compliance, this is an opportunity to center access from the start.
