NC State is preparing for new federal digital accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II, which take effect April 26, 2027 (after an extension of the original deadline of April 24, 2026).

These requirements apply to many types of digital content across Extension, including webpages, documents, videos and social media posts.

Additionally, the university may also be subject to a similar rule under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act enforced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That rule has a compliance deadline of May 11, 2026 — this is the date by which the university is now working toward compliance.

To help clarify expectations and provide clear guidance for employees, we have created a dedicated resource page with an overview of requirements, guidance on priorities and links to helpful tools and training.

The page includes:

• An overview of the federal rule and what it means for Extension
• Current priorities for employees creating digital content
• Examples of accessible digital content practices
• Clarification about ADA responsibility and liability
• Links to training opportunities and support resources

NOTE: The May 11, 2026, deadline is not a drop-dead date requiring every existing piece of digital content to be fully accessible. It's about demonstrating good-faith progress as part of an ongoing effort to ensure Extension's digital information and services are accessible to everyone.

The most important takeaway right now is to ensure all new digital content moving forward is accessible. Existing materials can be improved over time, prioritizing high-visibility and frequently used resources. Remember...