Short answer: The State of Connecticut must make the online documents they provide or make available conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA by April 26, 2027. The rule covers documents in PDF, word-processing, presentation, and spreadsheet formats.

Any document that people use to apply for, access, or take part in a government service must be accessible. If a document is new, updated, or needed to use a public service, plan to make it accessible.

Compliance date

·       The compliance date for the State of CT is April 26, 2027.

Examples of covered documents

• PDFs, including reports, notices, guides, forms, and instructions
• Word-processing files, such as DOC and DOCX
• Presentations, such as PowerPoint files
• Spreadsheets, such as Excel files

The rule applies when the government provides or makes the document available online directly or through a contractor, licensing arrangement, or other agreement. The list above describes the rule’s “conventional electronic documents.”

Which documents need priority?

Documents people need to use government services. Make these accessible, including older documents still used to apply, qualify, get information needed for, or participate in a service or program. Examples include an active license application, its instructions, and a guide needed to complete it.

New or revised documents. Create new documents accessibly. When a document is revised after the applicable compliance date, it no longer qualifies as preexisting and must meet WCAG 2.1 AA.

Other current documents. Documents that explain or help people use government services also need to be accessible.

When may an older document be excepted?

A document posted before the compliance date may qualify for the preexisting-document exception only if people do not currently use it to apply for, access, or participate in a government service, program, or activity. For example, an outdated report may qualify; an old application form still in use does not.

Some documents separately qualify as ‘archived web content’ when they meet all of the rule’s archive conditions: they were created before the compliance date, are kept only for reference, research, or recordkeeping, are not changed after archiving, and are placed in a clearly identified archive.

The rule also contains limited exceptions for certain individualized, password-protected documents and certain third-party content. These exceptions are fact-specific. If a person requests an accessible version of excepted content, you still need to provide an accessible version of the content.

For quick decisions, use the ‘Do I need to make my content accessible?’ tool.

Official DOJ sources

• DOJ Small Entity Compliance Guide: Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps
• DOJ 2024 Final Rule: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services
• DOJ April 2026 Interim Final Rule extending compliance dates: Extension of Compliance Dates

Questions? Email DGOEaccessibility@ct.gov for help.

State Agency Examples

These examples show how the DOJ Title II rule can apply to documents from state agencies. The date a document was posted and how people use it both matter. These examples are illustrative; review the facts for each document.

Must be accessible

• Benefits applications and instructions. A current DSS application for SNAP or Medicaid, plus instructions needed to complete or submit it, generally must meet WCAG 2.1 AA.
• Driver and vehicle forms. A DMV license renewal form, vehicle registration form, and guides people need to use those services generally must be accessible, even if an older file is still in use.
• Unemployment claim materials. A current Department of Labor claim form, appeal form, and instructions people need to apply for or take part in the program generally must be accessible.
• New or revised publications. After 04-26-2027, new or updated PDFs, Word files, presentations, and spreadsheets must meet the standard. Examples include a new grant application, public health report, or agency meeting presentation.
• Documents supplied through a vendor. If an agency’s contractor posts or provides documents for a service, such as permit instructions or payment guidance, the agency is responsible for ensuring the accessibility of the documents before posting them.

May qualify for an exception

These examples may not have to meet the rule’s WCAG 2.1 AA technical standard if every condition for the specific exception is met.

• Older, unused files. A preexisting PDF annual report or Word brochure may qualify if it was online before the agency’s compliance date and is no longer used to apply for, access, or participate in a state service or program.
• Secure personal documents. A PDF benefits determination or property-related statement about one person, property, or account may qualify if it is available only through a password-protected or otherwise secure account.
• A member of the public’s own post. A file a member of the public posts to an agency message board may qualify if the person is not posting under an agency contract or other arrangement. The agency’s own site or platform is not exempt on that basis.

Remember: An exception from WCAG conformance does not remove the agency’s other ADA duties. The agency may still need to provide an accessible version when a person with a disability needs the information.