Accessibility in Courses
Supporting faculty in creating and delivering courses that are accessible to students with disabilities.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) released updated guidelines under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), expanding universities’ responsibility to ensure all digital content is accessible from the start for fully online and in-person classes.
The DOJ has recently extended the compliance deadline to April 26, 2027. While the deadline has been extended, it is important to note that the University of Louisville has a continuing obligation under the ADA to ensure their programs, services and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility Update Resources
The University of Louisville is invested in making online courses and materials accessible to students with disabilities. To this end, the Delphi Center collaborates closely with the Disability Resource Center to support faculty members in making their courses, both online and face-to-face, as accessible as possible. Ensuring that online courses are accessible to students with disabilities is a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973).
Making Online Material Accessible
The Delphi Center supports faculty in making online course materials accessible for students with disabilities. This applies to both fully online courses and online materials used in face-to-face classes.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II regulations, all online content must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA by April 24, 2026.
To help educators prepare, the Delphi Center provides a variety of resources, including on-demand tutorials, tip sheets, workshops and one-on-one consultations.
Faculty who have earned the Online Teaching Credential are eligible for additional services such as assistance in making materials accessible
The Delphi Center also works closely with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to address individual student needs. While courses are expected to meet accessibility requirements before students enroll, some accommodations extend beyond basic guidelines. When a student with vision or hearing loss registers for a class, the DRC will notify instructors and connect them with Beth Case in the Delphi Center to ensure the student can fully access online materials. The DRC also provides consultations for accessibility needs in the in-person classroom.
Access our resources and training opportunities. Additionally, to request a one-on-one consultation, complete the Consultation Request form. For all other questions, contact Beth Case at 502-852-7689 or beth.case@louisville.edu.
Beth Case is the Sr. Manager of Accessibility and Multimedia Development at the Delphi Center. In this capacity, she oversees the support for faculty at UofL regarding accessible teaching practices. If you would like to discuss the accessibility of your materials or course, please contact Beth Case at 502.852.7689 or through email.