MD Tech Connect Extended is a program series that is offered free in addition to the annual MD Tech Connect events. These online programs are for anyone (library staff local to Maryland) who is interested, even if you don’t make it to the conference this year. This will be a fun and easy (and free) way to keep up with emerging technologies.
The New Title II Digital Accessibility Regulations: Steps You Can Take To Work Toward Timely Compliance
Emily Singer Lucio, ADA Coordinator, University of Maryland
Tuesday, January 20, 2026; 2 – 3:15 p.m.
Register for The New Title II Digital Accessibility Regulations
The Department of Justice issued its final rule revising the regulation implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) to establish specific requirements, including the adoption of specific technical standards, for making accessible the services, programs, and activities offered by state and local government entities to the public through the web and mobile applications (“apps”). We are just one year away from the compliance deadline for the new rule on the accessibility of web content and mobile apps for all public entities, set for April 25, 2026. This presentation will cover the basics of what is covered and suggestions for how best to prepare.
Note: This program was presented at the Fall 2025 Maryland SLRC Conference. There will be time for Q&A. The program will be recorded.
Equity by Design: Digital Accessibility Requirements Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Brittni Ballard, Learning Technologies and COE Liaison Librarian, Cook Library, Towson University and Katherine Klosek, Director of Information Policy and Federal Relations, Association of Research Libraries (ARL)
Tuesday, January 27, 2026; 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Register for Equity by Design
The convergence of federal accessibility mandates and libraries’ equity missions creates both urgency and opportunity. Revised ADA rules published in April 2024 require all state and local governmental entities—including 85% of libraries nationwide—to make websites, mobile apps, and online documents accessible by April 2026 or 2027. These regulations impact every aspect of digital library services, from websites and databases to online programming and discovery tools. In this interactive workshop, policy and accessibility experts move beyond compliance to embrace accessibility as equity in action. We’ll explore practical strategies for prioritizing digital accessibility improvements, focusing on high-impact changes that enhance user experience for everyone. Participants will examine real-world accessibility barriers through the lens of user impact, practice document remediation techniques, and discover auditing tools that fit library budgets and staffing. Just like everyone will experience disability, accessibility is a collective responsibility. We’ll highlight the power of connection, encouraging participants to build relationships across library types, roles, and lived experiences with disability. Together, we can meet these new requirements while ensuring that digital spaces are as welcoming and inclusive as our physical ones.
Note: This program was presented at the Fall 2025 Maryland SLRC Conference. There will be time for Q&A. The program will be recorded.
Zoom captioning will be available. If you require an ASL interpreter or other accommodation for a program, please contact nini.beegan@maryland.gov with as much notice as possible, but no later than three weeks before the program date.