Advancing Digital Accessibility to Support Students and Prepare for New Federal Standards
Dear Colleagues:
As part of our shared commitment to student success and our institutional values of Respect, Innovation, Student centric, and Excellence (RISE), I want to bring to your attention how Purdue University Northwest is preparing to support faculty to meet an important federal mandate while further fostering a learning environment for all students to thrive.
In April 2024, the Department of Justice issued a revised ruling under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requiring that all web-based services, programs, and activities offered by state and local government entities be accessible. This includes all student-facing digital content at Purdue Northwest. The new standards are designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not excluded from participating in, or denied the benefits of, services, programs, and activities of public entities. The deadline to comply with these requirements is April 24, 2026.
While this mandate provides a clear legal requirement, our deeper commitment lies in ensuring that every student can fully engage with their learning experience. Accessible instructional materials remove barriers and promote equal opportunities for success. Compliance is important, but our deeper goal is to foster a learning environment where all students can thrive.
Purdue Northwest is actively collaborating with colleagues across the Purdue University System to develop resources and guidance to support faculty in this endeavor. The Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE) will serve as your primary point of contact for support and is working closely with system partners to bring these resources and programming to our campus.
As part of this collaborative effort, a series of introductory workshops on digital accessibility will begin November 3, along with daily drop-in sessions designed to provide ongoing assistance. More information about these offerings—including schedules, registration, and additional resources—is available at the Purdue Instructional Material ADA Readiness website. Faculty and instructors are encouraged to attend a workshop to begin building foundational skills.
Additionally, in collaboration with our Office for Civil Rights, we are forming a Cross-Functional Taskforce on Digital Accessibility at Purdue University Northwest. This group will include representatives from key stakeholder areas, with more information to follow soon.
Thank you for your continued dedication to student success. Together, we can ensure that every student at Purdue University Northwest has the opportunity to succeed.
Sincerely,
Marie T. Mora, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs