Developing Digital and Course Accessibility Plans 

What is Rutgers Going to Do?

Beginning in the fall of 2024 and into the spring/summer of 2025, the Office of Information Technology, University Ethics and Compliance, the Office of General Counsel, and University Academic Affairs have met with representatives from the Chancellor-Led Units (CLUs) to discuss options for complying with these new regulations.

A subgroup of the Academic Technology Advisory Council (ATAC) has been formed around Digital Course Accessibility. This group is co-chaired by members of UOES, RADR, and OITA. Membership will include a cross-collaborative group of instructional support, faculty, instructors, and other appropriate members of each CLU. 

What is Expected of Academic Units? 

Each academic unit should develop a Digital Accessibility Plan (DAP) and a Course Accessibility Plan (CAP) using local structures and practices with support from universitywide tools and resources. These plans should address the processes and procedures for a systematic approach to digital and course accessibility, including clear goals, strategies, assessments, and processes to ensure compliance with federal, state, and university laws and policies.

Available Support

Rutgers Access and Disability Resources (RADR) is here to support academic units in understanding new accessibility legislation, creating tailored strategic plans, and developing implementation strategies to ensure compliance.

To start a conversation about creating a DAP or CAP for your school or unit, please contact RADR at radr.cap@echo.rutgers.edu. You may also complete the Course Accessibility Plan Form, and a RADR representative will follow up with your unit directly.

Digital Accessibility Plans

Units and departments are encouraged to be innovative in addressing digital technology accessibility while meeting key requirements. Digital Accessibility Plans must define roles and accountability, outline how priorities are established, incorporate accessibility into procurement processes, and ensure that relevant staff are adequately trained. They should also include strategies for raising awareness, monitoring compliance, evaluating effectiveness, and managing exceptions.

Course Accessibility Plan

A Course Accessibility Plan is developed by instructors, departments, or academic units to ensure that all aspects of a course are accessible to students with disabilities and usable by all learners. Units are encouraged to be strategic and proactive, prioritizing courses for remediation, assigning responsibility, conducting baseline audits, and integrating accessibility into course design and review processes. CAPs should include the use of standardized checklists, instructor training, regular progress monitoring, and alignment with institutional goals such as accreditation.