Department of Justice Implements New ADA Web Accessibility Regulations by April 2026

The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission convened on August 1, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding accessibility compliance and policy revisions. The meeting highlighted the Department of Justice's recent final rule on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that web content and mobile applications be accessible to individuals with disabilities by April 2026.

Pam, a representative from the commission, outlined the proactive measures being taken to meet these new accessibility guidelines. She noted that updates are already underway, which may result in noticeable changes to the commission's website and materials. Key initiatives include the addition of descriptive links that clarify the content of hyperlinks for screen reader users, ensuring appropriate color contrast for readability, and incorporating alternative text for images. Furthermore, efforts are being made to maintain a logical reading order in documents, particularly in PowerPoints and PDFs, to enhance accessibility.

Pam expressed confidence in the commission's progress, stating that they are on track to achieve compliance by the April deadline. Following her presentation, the meeting transitioned to a discussion on proposed updates to local education agency (LEA) policies. General Counsel Ashley Thomas was invited to present the substantive edits that would be voted on by the committee, emphasizing the importance of aligning policies with legislative changes and evolving business practices.

The meeting underscored the commission's commitment to improving accessibility and ensuring that its policies remain current and effective in serving the needs of all stakeholders.