The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) is focusing on steps schools, colleges, and communities can take to support students with disabilities and students with mental health needs, especially the essential partnership between schools and families to ensure effective implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and provides resources for schools, colleges, and communities to promote mental health and the social and emotional well-being of children and students.
Resources on Website Accessibility
A series of “how-to” videos on website accessibility covers topics including how people with disabilities use technology, applicable federal laws, and how to identify and remediate technological barriers that can interfere with the ability of parents and students with disabilities to participate in modern American education. OCR’s National Digital Accessibility Team has resolved over 1,000 digital accessibility cases since its formation just under three years ago, making educational institutions’ online programs, services, and activities more accessible to people with disabilities. The 20-part video series draws from that experience and was released in partnership with the ADA National Network.
Digital Accessibility Compliance Reviews
OCR has launched 100 new compliance reviews examining digital accessibility in elementary and secondary schools and districts, postsecondary institutions, state departments of education, libraries, and vocational rehabilitation services. Reviews will cover online learning, public-facing websites, and parent-resource and communications platforms to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
To view the how-to videos, click here.