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

Why use this checklist?

Public colleges and universities must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II and conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. The rule applies to digital services “provided or made available” through vendors. If your platform creates a barrier, your client carries the legal risk—and you carry the performance risk. This checklist outlines what higher ed procurement teams expect and how to support a defensible partnership.

01. List covered systems

List covered systemsDocument every module used for enrollment, coursework, billing, housing, or campus services

Include login environmentsApply the same accessibility standards to dashboards, portals, and admin panels

Inventory third-party componentsIdentify embedded tools, plugins, and integrations that affect accessibility

Map critical workflowsOutline login, registration, payment, grading, and submission paths

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 and present a VPAT as an ACRFill out the appropriate Voluntary Product Accessibility Template and provide it as an Accessibility Conformance Report

Update after material changesComplete a new VPAT when significant design or functionality 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 higher education 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