The DOJ Ruling at UVA
What is Digital Accessibility
Digital accessibility means making websites, apps, and other online tools easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities. This includes people who are blind, deaf, or have trouble moving a mouse or typing. Accessible websites have features such text that can be read aloud, captions for videos, and easy navigation using only a keyboard.
What is the Department of Justice (DOJ) Title II ADA Final Rule
The DOJ’s Title II ruling says that state and local government websites and apps must be accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means they must follow clear rules, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to make sure people with disabilities can use them. The goal is to ensure that everyone has equal access to public services online.
DOJ Title II ADA Final Rule: What It Means for Our University
The U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) final rule on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local government websites and mobile apps to be accessible to people with disabilities. To meet this standard, they must follow clear guidelines—such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)—to ensure equal access to public services online. This rule helps remove barriers so that everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate and use essential digital resources.
Key Aspects of the DOJ’s Digital Accessibility Update:
- Website and Online Compliance
Universities must ensure that websites, learning management systems, and digital course materials meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG guidelines).
- Multimedia Accessibility
Videos must have synchronized captions and associated transcripts, audio-only content must have transcripts, and documents must be screen-reader compatible.
- Stronger Enforcement
The DOJ provides clearer guidelines for compliance and allows individuals to file complaints for non-accessible digital resources.
- Criteria Update
The University standard is to follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as a minimum for all new digital content; however, WCAG 2.2 Level AA is preferred.
Impact on Public Universities
- Increased Digital Compliance Obligations
Universities must audit and update their websites, course materials, and digital tools to meet accessibility standards.
- Potential Legal & Financial Consequences
Non-compliance could lead to lawsuits, loss of federal funding (grants for students, federal research money, etc.), or DOJ-imposed penalties.
- Enhanced Inclusivity
The ruling ensures students with disabilities have equal access to online learning, fostering a more equitable educational environment.
Our University's Plan for Compliance
Deadline: April 26,2027
The university's strategic approach to digital accessibility and the Title II adjustments focuses on ensuring that all online resources, platforms, and digital tools are inclusive and usable for individuals with disabilities. Key initiatives include:
- Accessibility Audits
Regular assessments of the university’s websites, learning management systems, and digital content to identify barriers. These audits help ensure compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and other relevant standards.
- Training
Faculty and staff receive ongoing training on digital accessibility best practices, including how to create accessible documents, presentations, and course materials. Training also covers the use of assistive technologies and designing content that accommodates diverse learning needs.
View the Faculty Intro
View the Faculty Training Opportunities
View a List of Training Opportunities Available- Policy Updates
The university continuously revises its digital accessibility policies to reflect new legal requirements and technological advancements. This includes setting clear accessibility guidelines for web development, procurement of digital tools, and course content creation.
View UVA Policies and Guidelines
By prioritizing digital accessibility, the university ensures that all students, faculty, and staff have equal access to online learning, communication, and resources, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.
Efforts Currently Underway
The University of Virginia (UVA) is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all students, faculty, and staff in compliance with the DOJ’s final ruling. To achieve this, UVA has established a Digital Accessibility Working Group, bringing together experts and stakeholders from across Grounds. This group includes multiple subcommittees focused on the key areas of the DOJ Ruling. The committees and committee members are listed below.
- Working Group Team Members
Dave Strite (Co-chair) - Assistant Vice President for Support Services and Learning Technology
Barbara Zunder (Co-chair) - Chief Accessibility Officer & University ADA Coordinator
Brooke Thompson - Digital Accessibility Coordinator
Christopher Birkl - Instructional Designer
Matt Burgess - Learning Technology Services Director
William Canter - Instructional Designer
Mark Cartwright - Assistant Vice President of Operations/University Controller
Tasha Cherry - Director of Web Strategy and Development
Kevin Crabtree - Strategic Sourcing Director, Procurement
Mellissa Ellegood - Assistant Director of Learning Technology Initiatives
Hope Fitzgerald - Arts & Sciences Learning Design and Technology Director
Bryan Gilstrap - Sourcing Director, Finance
Elyse Girard - Executive Director of Communications & User Experience
Lori Hostetler - A&S Accessible Design Coordinator
Jonelle Kinback - Director of Digital Development & User Experience
Corey Krall - IT Specialist Senior, Web Dev/Design
Alison Landry - Associate University Counsel and Senior Assistant Attorney General
Elizabeth Mather - Assistant Vice President for Marketing & Brand Strategy
Cory Paradis - Deputy ADA Coordinator
Chris Parthemos - Director, Student Disability Access Center
Luke Rosenberger - Assistant Director of Digital Accessibility Initiatives, CTE
Martina Svyantek - Digital Accessibility Specialist, Library
Rob Tyler - Deputy University Counsel
Whitney Wells - Disability Services Director, UVA Wise
Ajoni Wynn-Floyd - Community Engagement Coordinator, Finance
- Project Scope
Dave Strite (Chair)- ITS
Barbara Zunder - Chief Accessibility Officer & University ADA Coordinator
Cory Paradis – Deputy Chief Accessibility Officer & University ADA Coordinator
Elyse Girard - Libraries
Jonelle Kinback - University Communications
Hope Fitzgerald – Arts and Sciences
Tasha Cherry - Provost- Internal Audit, Ongoing Monitoring, & Compliance
Brooke Thompson (Co-Chair) – Digital Accessibility Coordinator
Cory Paradis (Co-Chair) - Deputy Chief Accessibility Officer
Melissa Ellegood – Center for Teaching Excellence
Jonelle Kinback – University Communications
Whitney Wells – UVA Wise
Elyse Girard - Libraries
William Canter – School of Nursing
Christopher Birkl – HR Workday Training
Tiffany Stull - ITS
Jeana Starbuck – Custom Applications & Consulting Services
Jack Kelly - Libraries
Kristi McKinney - UVA Wise- Leadership Support
Dave Strite (Co-chair) - ITS
Barb Zunder (Co-chair) – Chief Accessibility Officer & University ADA Coordinator
Cory Paradis – Deputy Chief Accessibility Officer & University ADA Coordinator
Elyse Girard – Libraries
Tasha Cherry - Provost- Process & Procedures
Matt Burgess (Chair) – ITS
Barbara Zunder – Chief Accessibility Officer & University ADA Coordinator
Brooke Thompson – Digital Accessibility Coordinator
Melissa Ellegood - Center for Teaching Excellence
Jonelle Kinback – University Communications
Elyse Girard – Libraries
Kristin Jensen - Libraries
Kevin Crabtree - Procurement
Kat Gavin - ITS
Jessica Lenore - Procurement
Luke Rosenberger - Center for Teaching Excellence- Training
Hope Fitzgerald (Co-chair) – Arts & Sciences
Lori Hostetler (Co-chair) - Arts & Sciences
Brooke Thompson (Co-chair) – Digital Accessibility Coordinator
Lori Hostetler – School of Arts & Sciences
Christopher Birkl – HR Workday Training
William Canter -School of Nursing
Luke Rosenberger - CTE
Ashley Caudill - EDH
Stephanie Conley - McIntire
Marie Leake - Arts & Sciences
Kathryn Surchek - Darden
Liz Elcessor - Arts & Sciences
Courtney MacMasters - Student Disability Access Center
Bethany Mickel - Library
Gabrielle Griffin - McIntire
Martina Svyantek - Library
Megan Holley - McIntire
Molly Perry - Wise- Communications & Awareness
Luke Rosenberg (Chair) - CTE
Elizabeth Mather – University Communications
Dave Strite – ITS
Cory Paradis – Deputy Chief Accessibility Officer & University ADA Coordinator
Christopher Birkl – HR Workday Training
Whitney Wells – UVA Wise
Matt Burgess – ITS
Jonelle Kinback – University Communications
Marie Leake - Arts & Sciences
Cynthia Douglass - HR
Kristin Sloane - CTE
Jayla McNeill - Provost Office
- Tools
Melissa Ellegood (Chair) - Center for Teaching Excellence
Dave Strite - ITS
Brooke Thompson - Digital Accessibility Coordinator
Jessica Weaver - Kenney - Learning Design & Technology
Elyse Girard - Library
Tasha Cherry - Provost
Matt Burgess - ITS
Jeana Starbuck - Custom Applications & Consulting Services
Tari Smith - Library
Victoria Wolf - ITS
William Canter - Nursing
While the working group provides guidance and support, the responsibility for accessibility falls on each of us—faculty, staff, and departments as a whole—to make our digital content inclusive. For assistance in making your digital content accessible contact the Digital Accessibility Coordinator.
How We Support You
To help meet these accessibility goals, UVA offers the:
- Training for Individuals & Departments
Workshops and online courses to help faculty and staff create accessible digital content. To view trainings, webinars, and workshops on Digital Accessibility view our UVA Digital Accessibility Events Page.
- Audits & Reviews
Assistance in evaluating websites, course materials, workday trainings, product purchases, and documents to identify accessibility barriers. To request and schedule and audit email the Digital Accessibility Coordinator.
- Tools & Resources
Guides, checklists, coding examples, and tool solutions (Equidox, SiteImprove, etc.) to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
By working together and making accessibility a shared priority, we can create a more inclusive learning environment for everyone at UVA.