accessiBe - Title II document readiness: A strategic checklist for higher education

Why use this checklist?

The government agencies you work with are governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II or Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Under these laws, the digital tools they use must conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA.

These requirements extend to services “provided or made available” through vendors. And, if your platform creates a barrier, your client carries the legal liability—and you carry the contractual risk. This checklist helps you understand what agencies will look for and how to prepare your product for public sector contracts.

01. List covered systems

List covered systemsDocument every website, portal, or platform used to deliver public services

Include authenticated environmentsApply accessibility standards to payment portals, permit systems, and account dashboards

Inventory mobile applicationsInclude any app used to deliver services, alerts, or notifications

Review digital documentsIdentify PDFs, forms, notices, and records generated by your system

02. Align to WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Enable keyboard accessAll interactive elements operate without a mouse

Ensure screen reader compatibilitySupport accurate interpretation by screen readers through proper markup and ARIA where required

Maintain visible focusProvide consistent focus indicators across the interface

Use semantic structureApply proper headings, landmarks, and programmatic labels

Support zoom and reflowMaintain functionality at 200% zoom without horizontal scrolling

Maintain color contrastEnsure text meets required contrast ratios against background colors

Eliminate keyboard trapsAllow users to enter and exit all components using standard keys

Conform generated documentsEnsure PDFs, transcripts, receipts, notifications, and automated emails conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA

03. Deliver required documentation

Complete a VPAT and present it as an ACRProvide a current Accessibility Conformance Report based on your product’s WCAG Level AA conformance

Keep documentation currentUpdate the ACR when significant functionality or design changes occur

04. Maintain ongoing conformance

Retest after updatesEvaluate accessibility after significant product, design, or content changes

Assign internal ownershipDesignate a responsible lead for accessibility oversight

Track identified issuesDocument accessibility findings and remediation status

Align to regulatory timelinesPlan remediation milestones against applicable enforcement deadlines

The government accessibility checklist for vendors

Why use this checklist?

01. List covered systems

02. Align to WCAG 2.1 Level AA

03. Deliver required documentation

04. Maintain ongoing conformance