Target Compliance Date: March 2026
Appalachian State is following a phased timeline to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance, as required by the U.S. Department of Justice’s 2024 final rule under Title II of the ADA. Below is a general overview of our anticipated timeline. This will continue to evolve as we refine project scope, complete internal assessments, and coordinate across units.
Phase 1: Planning & Infrastructure (Spring–Summer 2024)
Phase 2: Communication & Awareness (Summer–Early Fall 2025)
- Launch awareness campaign (campuswide email, website updates, executive talking points)
- Promote accessibility policy and project branding
- Introduce compliance resources and support website
- Initiate internal briefings for Digital Accessibility Liaisons and divisional leads
Phase 3: Training & Assessment (Fall 2025)
- Begin required training for content creators, editors, and unit representatives
- Start baseline audits of websites, files, and applications using monitoring platform
- Issue tailored reports to divisions and units with prioritized tasks
- Provide drop-in consultations and role-specific guidance
Phase 4: Remediation & Monitoring (Winter–Fall 2026)
- Support campus-wide remediation efforts for identified accessibility gaps
- Track progress through real-time dashboards and reports
- Reinforce guidance through targeted communications and refresher training
- Optional: Launch divisional participation challenge or dashboard-based recognition effort
Phase 5: Final Verification & Reporting (Late Fall 2026)
- Ensure final WCAG 2.1 AA compliance across core platforms and content
- Archive and document compliance plans for audit purposes
- Submit internal summary report to university leadership and external auditors if required