California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2821 into law on September 28, 2024, which requires the California State University (CSU) and Community College Districts to establish a Disability Access Training Program for personnel, administered during onboarding. While not required, the same is suggested for schools within the University of California system and private institutions.

The goal of AB 2821 is for higher education institutions to its increase support for students with disabilities across California’s four higher education segments of postsecondary education in the state—Community College Districts, CSU, the University of California, and independent institutions.

Existing law requires these institutions to be responsible for their respective systems’ support infrastructure for students with disabilities. This responsibility includes developing and implementing a system for evaluating the efficacy of state-funded programs and services for disabled students at least every five years.

Existing law also requires these systems gather data that includes staff and student perceptions, of the various aspects of supports in place for students with disabilities such as program effectiveness or physical accessibility.

Under AB 2821, developing and implementing systems for evaluating efficacy must also include gathering information on program costs and budget breakdowns as well as implementing a Disability Access and Compliance Training Program, as defined in the statute, during onboarding for employees.

The bill requires Community College Districts to implement the Disability Access and Compliance Training program on or before January 1, 2026, and implement the program before the 2026-2027 academic year.

F3 attorneys are available to assist in reviewing and/or drafting related policies and training materials as well as addressing questions or concerns regarding supporting students with disabilities on California campuses.