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Numerous resources are available from UT San Antonio, State and Local government websites, and nonprofit organizations to learn more about ADA compliance, disability rights and accessibility best practices. For general questions or questions about the resources below, please contact the ADA Coordinator.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities and transportation.

The current text of the ADA includes changes made by the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 (P.L. 110-325), which became effective on Jan. 1, 2009. The ADA was originally enacted in public law format and later rearranged and published in the United States Code.

Service animals are welcome in all campus buildings and can accompany individuals to any classroom, meeting or university sponsored event.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse trained to perform tasks or do work for an individual with a disability. They are not required to wear special symbols or harnesses, and there are no breed or size restrictions.

Individuals do not need to register their service animals or seek prior approval from Student Disability Services or People Excellence. If the service animal's purpose is not apparent, staff and faculty may ask only two questions:

  1. Is the animal required because of a disability?
  2. What task or service has the animal been trained to perform?

Once confirmed, no further questions may be asked. Individuals are not required to disclose their disabilities or provide documentation for the service animal.

Service Animals must be under control at all times, housebroken, well-groomed and free of fleas/other pests. If a Service Animal is disruptive, aggressive or out of control and the handler does not take effective action, the animal may be asked to leave the facility. Repeated incidents may result in temporary restrictions until the behavior is addressed. In such cases, the university will work with the individual to ensure alternative accommodations are provided.

For more information, students can contact Student Disability Services at 210-458-4157 and employees can reach out to People Excellence at 210-458-4250.

The university is committed to ensuring that our websites are accessible as outlined in our web accessibility policy. Please use the web accessibility reporting form to contact the university's web accessibility coordinator with any questions or to report an accessibility issue.

New Web Accessibility Rules

By April 24, 2026, the university must comply with new web accessibility rules under Title II of the ADA. These new rules require our web content and mobile applications to be directly accessible to persons with disabilities under the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level A and Level AA technical standards.

Web content includes traditional word processing documents (Word, PDF, Excel, PowerPoint) posted on the university’s websites or online platforms, as well as official social media posts. Training and resources are available on our Compliance 2026 web page.

Designing Accessible Web Sites

Although it is common to include graphics on web pages, accessible pages include text alternatives that can be read by assistive technologies for non-text content that is meant to convey information. For example, many web site users may be visually impaired and use special programs to read text aloud to them. Also, those who are colorblind might have problems navigating a website if it relies on color to convey information. Other users are unable to use a mouse or may use a text-based web browser called Lynx, which has no pictures and uses the keyboard for navigation.

Accessible design helps students, faculty, staff and visitors with disabilities understand and use web-based class materials more effectively as well.

State and Federal laws require accessible websites. Effective Sept. 1, 2005, Texas House Bill 2819 requires state agencies to develop, procure, maintain and use electronic and information technology that is accessible to people with disabilities. In addition, Texas Administrative Code 206 and Section 508 requires that State and Federal agencies' electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities.

The Digital Accessibility team with the Office of Teaching, Learning and Digital Transformation strives to support the university community. Accessibility is essential for some and beneficial for all learners. The team provides guidance and information regarding creating and evaluating accessible digital content. Online resources are available, along with training and consultations. Learn more:

For questions, email the Digital Accessibility team.

The University of Texas at San Antonio provides accessible parking spaces on campus. Learn more on the Campus Services website. For questions, email Campus Services or call 210-458-7275.

Facilities strives to provide a campus environment that complies with applicable laws and regulations, meets the needs of the academic and research communities, and fosters excellence in learning and discovery, while providing full access for all. 

For guidance on event planning with disability considerations, visit the Events website for resources on accessible venues, assistive technologies and ADA compliance. These resources are available to help ensure events are inclusive and welcoming to all participants.

 

One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249

Information: 210-458-4011