Module 1, Intro

Lesson Objectives

Participants will

Become familiar with digital accessibility requirements and why they are necessary.
Give specific examples of people in the school and community who most benefit from modifications made for accessibility.

Introduction

In this Module, we'll examine the importance of digital accessibility and recognize areas of inaccessibility in the content we provide for students and their supports online.

Estimated reading time for Module 1: 10 minutes

Why is Accessibility Important?

From the YCSD ADA Instructions and Policy :
Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with a website. A website or online document is accessible when it can be easily understood and used by everyone, regardless of the browser or adaptive equipment used to navigate the site.

Section 508

Section 508 Links to an external site. is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and has undergone several strengthening refreshes over the years. The most recent of these was in 2017. The 508 standards and guidelines ensure that information and communications covered by Section 508 are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

WCAG 2.0

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) were published by the World Wide Web Consortium Links to an external site. (W3C), to address the needs of users with disabilities. The objective is to ascertain that content placed online will be accessible to all who use it. Any institution that receives federal funds is required to follow these guidelines, which are organized under four principles. Online content must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

Department of Education

Stay informed of the most recent statements made by the U.S. Department of Education at Updated Accessibility Statement by U.S.D.O.E Links to an external site.. This is also where students and families can report schools and other government-funded institutions for non-compliance. Department of Education Reopens Hundreds of Web Accessibility Complaints Links to an external site.