Digital accessibility is no longer optional for public colleges and universities — and expectations are rising quickly.
With the U.S. Department of Justice finalizing new ADA Title II regulations, public institutions are now required to ensure their websites, mobile apps, digital tools, and online services meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Compliance deadlines begin in 2026, and enforcement is expected to increase.
Against this backdrop, Concept3D is proud to announce that its Interactive Maps, 360 Tours, and Localist Event Calendar products are now WCAG 2.1 AA compliant, supporting institutions as they work toward accessible, inclusive digital campuses.
What Is WCAG 2.1 AA — and Why Does It Matter?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are the globally recognized standards for making digital content accessible to people with disabilities, including those who use screen readers, keyboard navigation, voice input, or other assistive technologies.
WCAG 2.1 Level AA addresses critical areas such as:
- Keyboard accessibility
- Text alternatives for non-text content
- Color contrast and visual clarity
- Captions and transcripts for audio and video
- Accessible forms and interactive elements
- Compatibility with assistive technologies
Under the DOJ’s updated ADA Title II rule, WCAG 2.1 AA is now the enforceable standard for public higher education institutions — not a best practice or recommendation.
Accessibility Is a Process, Not a Checkbox
While WCAG 2.1 AA compliance is a meaningful milestone, Concept3D approaches accessibility as an ongoing practice, not a one-time certification.
Accessibility at Concept3D means:
- Accessibility is built into product design and development
- Testing occurs with every release
- Issues and edge cases are actively evaluated and resolved
- Usability is considered alongside technical compliance
- Feedback from institutions and users drives continuous improvement
Concept3D’s Maps and Tours products are already aligned with WCAG 2.2, and Localist Events is on track to reach WCAG 2.2 in upcoming releases.
What Institutions Should Know
Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility between technology providers and institutions.
Important considerations:
- Concept3D’s compliance applies to core front-end interfaces
- Some advanced or optional features may require configuration to maintain compliance
- Institutions remain responsible for accessible content, data, and implementation choices
Concept3D provides guidance and documentation, including VPATs, to support procurement, legal, and accessibility teams.
Digital Accessibility at Concept3D
Concept3D continues to actively work toward accessibility compliance across its full product suite. While progress is ongoing, we are intentionally transparent about where products stand today.
As accessibility expectations evolve — and enforcement increases — Concept3D remains focused on helping institutions deliver inclusive, compliant, and usable digital experiences for every student, visitor, and community member.
Learn more about Concept3D’s accessibility commitment
FAQ
Are Concept3D products WCAG compliant?
Yes. Concept3D’s Interactive Maps, 360 Tours, and Localist Event Calendar products are WCAG 2.1 AA compliant.
Does this help institutions meet DOJ ADA requirements?
Yes. WCAG 2.1 AA is the technical standard required under the DOJ’s ADA Title II rule for public institutions.
Is accessibility guaranteed in all use cases?
Accessibility applies to core product interfaces. Institutions must still implement accessible content and configurations.
Are VPATs available?
Yes. Updated VPATs are available to support procurement and compliance documentation.
What should be done if an accessibility issue is identified in a Concept3D product?
If you identify a potential accessibility issue in any Concept3D product, we want to know about it. Please report the issue using our accessibility support process so our team can investigate and resolve it as quickly as possible.
Learn how to report an accessibility issue to Concept3D