Why Digital Accessibility is a Top Priority for Higher Education Experiences in 2025

Today’s higher education leaders have a unique opportunity to transform how students access and experience learning through digital accessibility. This involves creating electronic materials, websites, and digital content that everyone—regardless of ability—can use and benefit from. In recent years, the demand for accessibility has only grown, making it an essential component of modern education.

Legal requirements and federal guidelines are pushing institutions to address digital accessibility, while students and parents are calling for more inclusive learning environments. As we move deeper into 2025, institutions must make digital accessibility a core objective to foster a truly equitable experience.

As higher education advances, new complexities and considerations arise. Institutions are increasingly grappling with a critical question: How accessible is our campus? 

Campus accessibility extends far beyond physical spaces. It touches every part of the educational experience, including digital platforms and academic resources. Changes in student demographics, advancements in technology, stricter legal requirements, and evolving teaching methods have made digital accessibility a cornerstone of equitable education.

Both college students and faculty recognize the importance of digital accessibility in academic institutions. In fact, according to the State of Digital Accessibility in Higher Education report, nearly 80% of respondents agree it should be a top institutional priority. 

However, there is a significant gap between intent and action. One in two students and one in three faculty members feel their institutions discuss digital accessibility but fail to implement meaningful changes. Almost half of both groups report that barriers for students with disabilities remain too high, and accessing resources should be much simpler. 

The message is clear: Colleges and universities must take stronger, more tangible steps to support students with disabilities. 

In recent years, the emphasis on digital accessibility in the higher ed space has intensified, driven by mounting legal and social pressures.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibit discrimination against students with disabilities, requiring institutions to provide accessible learning environments. Noncompliance can result in lawsuits, loss of federal funding, and significant reputational harm. Cases involving institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Princeton have underscored the consequences of neglecting accessibility needs. 

The COVID-19 pandemic also proved to be a catalyst for digital accessibility, as institutions relied on adaptive platforms to support online and hybrid education models. 

On April 24, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) published a final rule in the Federal Register, updating regulations for Title II of the ADA. This requires public entities to ensure web content and mobile applications are accessible to people with disabilities. 

These regulations adopt WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the new standard, giving public entities deadlines based on population size. Entities serving over 50,000 people must comply by April 24, 2026, while those serving fewer than 50,000 people must comply by April 24, 2027. 

This mandate marks a significant step toward digital inclusivity, ensuring equal access to online services and resources for people with disabilities.

Once criticized as “helicopter parents,” active parental involvement is now seen as a positive influence on student success. Research shows that when parents receive updates about their child’s progress, student retention rates improve—by as much as 8.3%. For example, Drexel University saw retention rates increase from 80% to nearly 90% after implementing frequent parent communication strategies. 

Parents and students alike are advocating for more inclusive campuses. According to the CDC, over one in four U.S. adults live with a disability, making digital accessibility a critical tool for leveling the playing field and ensuring success. Many institutions now recognize that accessibility is non-negotiable for fostering a supportive campus environment. 

As institutions race to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards, they face a range of complex challenges. These hurdles highlight the growing need for thoughtful planning and sustained effort. 

Gaining support from top administrators is critical for advancing accessibility initiatives. When senior decision-makers are actively involved, inclusivity becomes a core focus across departments, creating a unified strategy. 

To secure buy-in, colleges and universities often highlight the legal, moral, and reputational advantages of championing accessibility. Showing how technology can simplify and optimize these efforts is another effective strategy. For instance, appointing a Director of Digital Accessibility to lead the charge can provide better coordination and accountability to maintain steady progress. 

Gaining support from top administrators is critical for advancing accessibility initiatives. When senior decision-makers are actively involved, inclusivity becomes a core focus across departments, creating a unified strategy. 

To secure buy-in, colleges and universities often highlight the legal, moral, and reputational advantages of championing accessibility. Showing how technology can simplify and optimize these efforts is another effective strategy. For instance, appointing a Director of Digital Accessibility to lead the charge can provide better coordination and accountability to maintain steady progress. 

Some institutions establish accessibility committees but fail to involve individuals with disabilities. This oversight limits their ability to create truly inclusive environments. People with disabilities bring firsthand knowledge of the challenges they face and can provide valuable insights. The principle of “Nothing about us, without us” is not just a slogan—it’s a necessary approach for meaningful accessibility discussions.

Accessibility is not a one-and-done task. Standards evolve, and so do the needs of students with disabilities. Treating accessibility as a continuous process ensures that higher education remains inclusive over time. Institutions must regularly assess and adapt to foster long-term change. 

Inclusive design benefits everyone on campus, not just individuals with disabilities. Accessibility features, such as campus paths and walkways, enhance campus usability for wheelchair users, parents with strollers, and many others. Creating a more welcoming environment positively impacts the entire campus community, including visitors and families.

To stay ahead of digital accessibility requirements, higher learning institutions should consider the following practical strategies:

Taking a proactive approach allows institutions to build more inclusive learning environments while anticipating future challenges. By considering accessibility from the very beginning of every digital project or initiative, colleges and universities can tackle potential barriers before they become problems. This forward-thinking approach creates a smoother, more unifying experience for everyone. 

Real insights and perspectives are invaluable. Institutions can create more practical, effective, and user-centered solutions by grounding accessibility efforts in lived experiences. When individuals with disabilities share their challenges, they enable institutions to develop more targeted, impactful solutions. Direct input ensures that measures truly address user needs rather than relying on assumptions.

Student feedback is a critical tool for identifying and addressing needs. Regularly engaging students about their experiences allows institutions to adapt to evolving accessibility challenges and technologies. 

This practice not only resolves issues before they escalate but also fosters a culture of inclusivity, demonstrating the institution’s strong commitment to accessibility.

Staff and faculty must understand how to interpret and apply WCAG standards to promote accessibility across the institution. Training programs equip teams with the knowledge needed to meet legal requirements and remove roadblocks in the digital environment. Consistent training also ensures digital content is held to the same high standards institution-wide. 

Higher education institutions require effective solutions to meet evolving accessibility demands. Technology built with inclusivity in mind empowers universities to craft digital environments that serve all students, including the 20% of undergraduates who identify as having disabilities. 

Tools like Concept3D allow higher education institutions to add accessibility features to interactive campus maps, event calendars and virtual tours. Using these tools, institutions can create comprehensive digital experiences for prospective students, visitors, and the campus community.

Commitment to accessibility isn’t a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing journey. Regular audits and assessments help institutions to refine their approaches and adjust as technologies and guidelines change. When colleges and universities make accessibility a core part of their values, they establish a more universal environment and set themselves apart as leaders dedicated to serving diverse student populations for the long term.

Today’s students expect learning environments tailored to their unique needs and interests. The traditional one-size-fits-all approach no longer resonates and risks falling short in driving enrollments. 

To attract a broader, more diverse student population, institutions must focus on delivering personalized experiences and cultivating inclusive environments. As student demographics shift, colleges and universities are under growing pressure to adhere to accessibility laws and regulations. In a competitive landscape, prioritizing accessibility enables institutions to distinguish themselves and appeal to a wider audience. 

To stay ahead of digital accessibility requirements, higher learning institutions should consider the following practical strategies:

Digital accessibility has always been a fundamental value at Concept3D. We’re dedicated to empowering our partners and creating inclusive, student-centered experiences. To stay aligned with accessibility standards, we work closely with several respected third-party vendors during our auditing process. We also incorporate well-established industry audit practices into our development efforts. 

Our solutions are crafted to advance accessibility in higher education. From immersive, web-based interactive maps to accessible 360° Tours of campuses, Concept3D enables institutions to create dynamic and inclusive journeys for prospective students, visitors, and campus communities. Additionally, our fully branded calendar platform simplifies event discovery, boosts attendance and offers an intuitive and accessible way to engage with your institution’s community. 

Reach out today for your free accessibility audit, performed by our team,  and experience how Concept3D can help your institution lead in accessibility and inclusivity.