University of Maryland

Digital Accessibility 2026

To do: Update UMD digital content for accessibility by April 24, 2026

Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the the University of Maryland (UMD) must meet new technical requirements [new tab] for digital content by April 24, 2026 to help ensure that public services and information are accessible to all, including people with disabilities. This means that digital content should be formated in specific ways so that it is “accessible.” For example, captions on videos, alt text on images, and headings on documents. Among other things, this allows accessible technology like screen readers to understand how to read the content.

What is digital content?

Digital content = digital documents, communications, and enviroments that communicate information to the public or that is necessary for the work of the organization. Examples:

  • Word/Google docs, slides, spreadsheets
  • Presentations
  • Forms, surveys
  • PDFs
  • Emails, e-newsletters
  • Videos, audio recordings, images
  • Websites, apps, ELMS
  • Calendars, widgets
  • Social media sites

How to update your digital content

Click on the button below for your job category for a to-do checklist, simple “how-to” instructions, and a timeline. Some poeple may have more than one job category.

Admin & Staff Roles

Instructional Roles

Research Roles