Accessibility in higher education is not just a legal obligation, it is a fundamental commitment to equity, ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, have the tools and opportunities to thrive. Last year, the Department of Justice issued a mandate requiring state and local entities, including public higher education institutions, to ensure that their mobile applications and website content are accessible to all.
Depending on their population, public higher education institutions have until April 2026 or April 2027 to ensure their mobile applications and websites comply. Although this mandate is specific to public entities, private, not-for-profit institutions must also ensure compliance with accessibility requirements.
Curious about how public higher education institutions are responding to the recent mandate, the Tambellini Group conducted a survey. Here are the takeaways.
Survey respondents included Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Provosts, and Directors of Online Learning Platforms from public institutions across the United States. Over 90% of respondents indicated that their institutions are currently engaged in remediation efforts for content and web page accessibility, with over 40% noting that these efforts have been ongoing for 1 to 3 years.
Half of the respondents reported using ad hoc measures to address these efforts. The majority highlighted that the main challenge during these efforts is limited resources and budget. Over half of the respondents explained that they share expenses with other departments to manage costs.
More than half of the respondents observed an increased awareness and engagement among staff regarding accessibility initiatives.
Respondents concluded with advice for public institutions starting their journey, emphasizing the importance of beginning with a comprehensive audit and engaging key stakeholders early for successful outcomes.
Launching an accessibility remediation process is a transformative step that enhances institutional credibility, mitigates risks, and improves the overall digital experience for all users. A well-structured approach begins with securing executive buy-in, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, and fostering a culture of inclusivity. Early planning is essential, including conducting a comprehensive audit of digital assets and identifying high-impact areas for remediation.
Partnering with industry leaders such as Siteimprove and Magic EdTech can provide critical support in diagnosing accessibility issues, maintaining website quality, and even boosting search engine rankings through improved digital accessibility. Addressing common challenges, such as resource constraints and internal resistance, requires proactive strategies, including clear policies, dedicated accessibility teams, and ongoing training initiatives. By prioritizing accessibility, institutions not only ensure compliance with legal standards but also demonstrate a commitment to equity and innovation, ultimately strengthening their reputation and student engagement.
Enhancing mobile, web, and content accessibility in higher education is a strategic investment in student success. Accessibility improvements directly lead to a more equitable learning experience, reducing barriers that hinder student engagement and academic achievement. In turn, these improvements lead to higher retention rates, improved learning outcomes, and increased student satisfaction.
Moreover, accessibility benefits extend beyond students with disabilities—features like captions, transcripts, and adaptable interfaces enhance usability for all learners, including multilingual students and those in varied learning environments. Institutions that prioritize accessibility also strengthen their reputation, demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
By proactively implementing accessibility measures, such as alternative text for images, captioned videos, and screen reader-compatible designs, institutions create a more inclusive and technologically advanced learning environment. Ultimately, a robust accessibility strategy fosters a sense of belonging and academic success, positioning the institution as a leader in equitable education.
Originally posted by Serena Malhotra on LinkedIn. Be sure to follow her there to catch all her great industry insights.
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