University Teaching and Learning Commons | Resources | Course Accessibility

Course Accessibility

In summer 2024, the US Department of Justice issued new guidance clarifying expectations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These clarifications mark a significant and necessary shift in how universities will support individuals with disabilities. Updates to Title II and Section 504 provide new expectations and guidance for colleges and universities related to public facing websites and course content. We also anticipate further updates regarding enforcement of the new regulations from the Department of Education (Office of Civil Rights) and the Department of Health and Human Services. The updates are expected to clarify how each agency will enforce these changes within their respective areas of responsibility. 

Briefly, the changes will require mandatory training for faculty and staff related to accessibility awareness, digital accessibility, and compliance. Additionally, we will be accountable for ensuring that all digital content (public facing websites, digital course materials, digital campus resources – including campus trainings) meet the WCAG 2.1 (level A and level AA) standards for accessibility by spring 2026.

Campus Resources

All campus courses must meet basic accessibility guidelines by spring 2026. The tools below offer initial steps to addressing the most common digital accessibility concerns in your course.

*Please note, this page is updated regularly as new resources become available. Check back often for the latest updates and tools available to campus.

Accessibility Checklist

Document Accessibility Checklist

Use this checklist as you develop digital documents (e.g., word, pdf, etc.).

Open Checklist

Yale University: WCAG 2.0 AA CHecklist

Yale University has created a WCAG 2.0 level A and AA checklist for instructors and instructional designers. Checklist covers all basic requirements and advanced requirements to meet April 2026 compliance with ADA 1990.

View Yale’s Usability and Web Accessibility Guide

MultiMedia Accessibility Checklist

Use this checklist as you develop multimedia items (e.g., videos, images, etc.)

Open Checklist

Presentation Accessibility Checklist

Use this checklist as you develop multimedia/digital presentations.

Open Checklist

Canvas Tools

UDOIT CLOUD

UDOIT Cloud is a Canvas scanning tool that will scan your course and provide you with quick solutions that ensure your course is compliance. The tool can scan Canvas pages and course files.

Learn more about UDOIT Cloud

Information on Using UDOIT Cloud

Rich Content Editor Accessibility

Canvas pages feature an embedded accessibility checker. Look for the icon of person in a circle near the bottom of the rich content editor textbox. Then follow the suggested steps.

Learn more about rich content editor accessibility

Campus Support & Events

Accessibility.UNCG.EDU

UNCG has a comprehensive accessibility website that offers tools, resources, and quick guides to creating accessible digital content for campus.

Visit accessibility.uncg.edu

Digital Accessibility How Tos

Resources for how to create accessible content, remediate digital assets, and review current digital assets.

Self-enroll in Web Accessibility 101: Part 2

Coming Fall 2025: Accessibility Incubator II

The UTLC and campus partners will offer a Accessibility Incubator II. As a one-stop option for instructors, this event will provide guidance and support as you retrofit your current courses to meet accessibility guidelines. Bring your course and we will bring the technical support (and snacks!!).

Information Coming Soon

Meet Your ATS

Each School and College has a dedicated Academic Technology Specialist. They are invaluable partners as you begin updating or creating your courses.

Meet your ATS

Accessibility Compliance TEaching Guide

Accessibility benefits all students. Learn more about the importance of making your course accessible and how to respond when you receive an OARS accommodation letter.

Learn more

LinkedIn Learning

This playlist from LinkedIn Learning looks at creating accessible MS Word documents and MS Powerpoints, and remediating existing PDF files.

Access Playlist

UNCG Accessibilty Task Force

  • Laura Pipe, University Teaching and Learning Commons (Co-Chair)
  • Melanie Eley, ITS: Learning Technology (Co-Chair)
  • Kim Allred, Nutrition, School of Health & Human Services
  • Craig Biles, ITS: Website Administration
  • Audrey Bryk-Lee, School of Nursing (ATS Representative)
  • Melanie Carrico, CARS, Bryan School of Business & Economics
  • Austen Craven, Biology, College of Arts & Sciences
  • Carrie Doss, School of Nursing 
  • Christ Dunst, ITS: Instructional Design
  • Hatice Ghulamani, SES, School of Education
  • MaLinda Gonzalez, Human Resources
  • Sam Harlow, University Libraries 
  • David Kirkland, ITS: Learning Technology
  • Heather Moorefield Lang, LIRS, School of Education
  • Amelia Mattocks, Public Health, School of Health & Human Sciences
  • Lisa Pluff, Beyond Academics
  • Tina Vires, OARS, Student Affairs  
  • Tara Webb, Theatre, College of Visual & Performing Arts
  • Lisa Walker, Office of Research, School of Health & Human Sciences
  • Katie Walters, LIRS, School of Education
  • Enyonam Williams, General Counsel  

Assistance

If you have questions about these new standards or need general accessibility support, please contact Melanie Eley (mneley@uncg.edu) or Laura Pipe (lmpipe@uncg.edu).

Instructional Design Support

Does your course require a significant retrofit to meet the Title II guidelines? The ITS: Learning Technology Instructional Design Team (formerly of UNCG Online) can help you retrofit or design a new course and ensure your course is in compliance. Contact Chris Dunst (cbdunst@uncg.edu) or submit an Instructional Design request via 6Tech.

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