The Justice Department postponed a federal deadline requiring schools, colleges, and public institutions to make their online content accessible to people with disabilities. The rule was set to take effect this week but will now be delayed, giving schools additional time to comply.
The accessibility requirement targets digital platforms used by students and the public, including websites, learning management systems, and online educational materials. The delay affects institutions nationwide that have not yet implemented the necessary technical changes to meet accessibility standards.
The postponement comes as the Trump administration reviews various education regulations. Schools and disability advocates have offered competing perspectives on the timeline, with some institutions requesting extensions to address implementation costs and technical complexities, while disability rights groups have pushed for swift enforcement to ensure equal access to education.
The specific new deadline has not yet been announced. The original requirement stemmed from federal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in programs receiving federal funding.