Many student portals remain inaccessible to blind users—and that’s a compliance risk.
Under Title II of the ADA, public colleges and universities must ensure that all students can access essential services, including digital platforms. But what happens when blind students cannot even log in?
I am Michael Taylor, a blind screen reader user. I have recently used several college websites and portals, and I have encountered the same issues repeatedly. Here is what that experience looks like, why it matters, and what to fix.
The student portal is the digital front door to registration, grades, financial aid, class materials, and more. For blind students like me, that door is often locked.
Many portals rely on CAPTCHA without an audio option, form fields without labels, or UI elements that do not announce changes. For example, one portal presented a CAPTCHA to verify I was human, but it had no audio choice. I had valid credentials, but I still couldn't log in. Another asked me to pick a date from a visual calendar to register for classes with no text input alternative. That blocks independent access.
On many university homepages, the “Student Portal” or “Login” button is an icon in the top navigation. If that icon has no text label or is not coded as a button or link, my screen reader either ignores it or announces “Button, Image.” If I cannot locate and activate the portal entry, I never reach the login form.
What works
Use clear, visible text like “Student Portal” for the control
Mark it up as a real button or link with an accessible name
Ensure it is reachable and operable by keyboard
In my student portal, the built-in email client made basic tasks nearly impossible. Toolbar actions like reply, move, or delete had no accessible labels. Attachments did not expose a recognizable file link. Read vs. unread messages were not announced. I was granted permission to route mail to my own accessible client because the portal UI slowed me to a crawl.
What works
Label every control in the toolbar and message list
Expose attachments as real links with file names
Announce read/unread and selection state as I move focus
Portals store tuition bills, health records, receipts, transcripts, and confirmations. I could open these files, but my screen reader could not read the contents. They were image-based or untagged PDFs. That meant I needed sighted help to pay a bill or check a grade.
What works
Provide tagged PDFs or true HTML alternatives
Avoid image-only documents for critical information
Use meaningful file names and announce download status
An accessible portal is possible. I have used pieces that work well across higher ed. A solid baseline includes:
Labeled login fields that announce their purpose
Alternative authentication that does not rely only on visual CAPTCHA
Keyboard navigation for all interactive elements
Consistent headings and landmarks to support screen reader navigation
Accessible documents and downloads for bills, forms, and transcripts
Clear announcements when dynamic content updates (live regions or focus management)
In April 2024, the Department of Justice finalized a Title II rule that requires state and local government services, including public colleges and universities, to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA for digital accessibility. That includes student portals, LMS platforms, mobile apps, and internal systems.
See how UsableNet supports Title II programs for public organizations.
Failing to meet these standards risks complaints, enforcement, and reputation damage—and, most importantly, denies students equal access to essential tools.
When a portal isn’t accessible, the consequences add up fast:
Missed registration deadlines
Inability to view grades or financial aid status
Delayed access to required materials and forms
The emotional toll of always needing a workaround
This is not just a technology issue. It is a student equity issue.
Learn how UsableNet Assistive helps higher-education teams meet Title II accessibility standards.
Public Sector & Education Accessibility: Guidance and services for government and higher-ed, including Title II readiness, WCAG-aligned testing, remediation, and training.
https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education
ADA Title II Compliance (Higher-Ed): Practical support for state and local entities.
https://info.usablenet.com/ada-title-ii-compliance-expert-support-for-state-local-governments