The Department of Justice has issued a game-changing update to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Now, schools at every level—from early childhood through postsecondary institutions—must ensure all digital learning resources are fully accessible to students with disabilities.
For edtech suppliers, this means your products must meet strict accessibility standards.
Here’s what you need to know to support the schools and districts you serve.
What is Accessible?
“Accessible” means that learners with disabilities are “afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same equivalent ease of use.” interactions, and enjoy the same services as a learner without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially.
5 Things K12 Suppliers Need to Know (And Do)
To comply with this new rule, here are five key actions for Pre K-12 and higher education suppliers to take:
1. Meet Increased Accessibility Requirements in RFPs: Educational RFPs will now prioritize accessible products. Suppliers must ensure their offerings meet Title II’s standards to serve all students.
- Design and develop products (e.g., software, digital content, physical materials) that comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1AA standards.
- Review the AEM Center's Accessibility Guidance for Vendors
- Complete the Accessibility Baseline for the Universal Design for Learning Product Certification. This certification helps ensure your product is accessible and provides a recognized standard that makes it easier to market your product’s accessibility features.
2. Ensure All Digital Content Is Accessible: All digital content, including e-books, online courses, teacher-created content, educational apps, and any content shared with families, must be accessible.
- Review Digital Accessibility: Promoting Real-Time Access to Learning for Students with Disabilities
- Ensure all digital content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. This includes providing text alternatives for non-text content, ensuring keyboard accessibility, and offering captions for multimedia.
3. Provide Professional Learning and Support: Schools will require training and support to use accessible products effectively.
- Provide comprehensive training and support materials for educators and administrators on utilizing your products in an accessible and effective manner. This can include user guides, webinars, and customer support services.
- Leverage the What and Why of Inclusive Technology Video and facilitator guides by the Center for Inclusive Technology and Education Systems.
4. Implement Reasonable Modifications: Suppliers must be prepared to make reasonable modifications to their products and services to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities.
- Be flexible and responsive to requests for modifications. This might involve customizing software settings, providing alternative formats, or offering additional assistive technologies.
- Utilize the Universal Design for Learning Framework to help ensure your products meet the needs of all learners, as referenced in the National Education Technology Plan 2024.
5. Understand Legal and Compliance Risks: Compliance with Title II is an ongoing process that requires staying up-to-date with legal requirements and best practices. Non-compliance with Title II can result in legal actions and penalties.
- Leverage the Office of Civil Rights resources from the US Department of Education
- Regularly review and update your products and services to ensure ongoing compliance with ADA requirements.
- Listen to this podcast with ADA Title II Updates and Requirements.
By understanding this information, K-12 suppliers can ensure their products and services meet the needs of all students and comply with ADA regulations.
If you need more help, engage with CAST’s accessibility experts, participate in professional learning opportunities, contact CAST’s Accessibility Team, and review the Accessibility Baseline for the Universal Design for Learning Product Certification.