In the ever-evolving digital landscape of higher education, website accessibility is no longer just a best practice—it’s a legal and ethical requirement. But with acronyms like WCAG, ADA, and EAA frequently appearing in compliance discussions, understanding the nuances of digital accessibility can feel overwhelming.
Higher education institutions must navigate these regulations to create inclusive online experiences for all students, faculty, staff, and community members. Whether you’re managing a university website, crafting digital marketing campaigns, or developing online course content, knowing how these guidelines and laws intersect is crucial.
In this post, I’ll break down what WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), and EAA (European Accessibility Act) mean for higher education digital marketing. By decoding this “alphabet soup” of accessibility compliance, you’ll gain clarity on your institution’s responsibilities and actionable steps to foster a more inclusive digital presence.
What is WCAG?
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is a standards organization that was started in 1994. Their mission is “Making the web work, for everyone. W3C brings together global stakeholders to develop open standards that enable a World Wide Web that connects and empowers humanity.” Within the W3C, the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) was launched in 1997. A couple of years later, in 1999, they introduced the first version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines are designed to make web content more accessible to a wider range of people with disabilities. The current version, WCAG 2.2, was adopted in 2023, and work is underway on version 3, which will be a major update.
Knowing and understanding WCAG is important because most accessibility laws and rules use it as the standard to be met for compliance. Both the updates to Title II of the ADA and the new EAA use WCAG 2.1 as their standard. By adhering to WCAG, higher education institutions not only reduce legal risk but also ensure their digital content is inclusive and usable for individuals with disabilities, regardless of geographic location. This alignment with international best practices helps institutions meet both legal obligations and ethical commitments to accessibility.
What Are the ADA Requirements For Higher Education Digital Communications?
The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990. However, the legal framework for establishing a more inclusive disability public policy started in 1973 with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. There have been many changes and challenges to both pieces of legislation in the decades since they were adopted.
In April of 2024, the Department of Justice’s final rule for an update to Title II of the ADA was published. This rule has specific requirements for how to ensure the digital accessibility of web content and mobile applications. Digital accessibility had long been inferred as part of the legal requirements, but this new rule adds clarity to the specific requirements and who needs to meet them. The rule also establishes deadlines for compliance.
This new rule, like the rest of Title II, applies to state and local government entities. This includes public higher education institutions, as well as public K-12 schools.
As mentioned previously, the new rule for Title II establishes WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the standard for meeting digital accessibility compliance. The deadline for meeting this requirement is either April 2026 or April 2027, depending on the size of the population of the government entity. For example, a state-level university would find its deadline based on the population of the state, but a county-sponsored community college would find its deadline based on the population of the county. For populations under 50,000, the deadline is April 2027, and for populations over 50,000, the deadline is April 2026.
Should U.S. Higher Education Institutions Be Concerned About the EAA?
The European Accessibility Act primarily applies to organizations operating within the European Union (EU) or selling products or services to EU citizens. For some American colleges and universities, this can create some gray area on whether or not they need to comply. For instance, institutions with campus locations in European cities or that offer online courses to international students may need to comply with the EAA.
The EAA uses EN 301 549 as its standard. The good news is that this standard is the same as WCAG 2.1 Level AA for websites. EN 301 549 does contain additional requirements for things like electronic self-help kiosks. It is worth noting that the deadline for compliance with the EAA is sooner than the deadline for compliance with the ADA. The EAA deadline was June 28, 2025.
Learn more about accessibility compliance and how your institution can work toward achieving digital accessibility in our recorded webinar.
Bringing It All Together: Ensuring Your Higher Ed Website Meets Accessibility Standards
Navigating digital accessibility compliance in higher education can feel like deciphering a complex code—but understanding how WCAG, ADA, and EAA intersect is the key to unlocking inclusive, legally compliant digital spaces. While each regulation has its own context and jurisdiction, they all point toward a shared goal: equitable access to digital content for everyone.
By aligning with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, institutions not only meet the standards set forth by both U.S. and EU laws but also demonstrate a commitment to digital accessibility. As compliance deadlines approach, now is the time for higher education institutions to assess their digital environments, close accessibility gaps, and future-proof their digital presence.
Accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a reflection of your institution’s values. Prioritizing it now means creating a more welcoming and inclusive experience for all students, faculty, and stakeholders for years to come.
Looking for a partner to help you make a higher ed website that’s functional, accessible, and serves your institutional goals? Start a conversation with Carnegie to learn how we can help.