New regulations from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) are setting the stage for transformative changes regarding accessibility. Within a few years, schools and their educational technology partners must ensure online materials, such as websites, textbooks, and even social media posts, comply with updated standards. With these requirements affecting all K-12 and postsecondary courses in the country, we will likely see some school districts and institutions fall short. When that happens, it's the students who get hurt.

The Lento Law Firm understands how schools often overlook students with disabilities, and we are dedicated to securing the accommodations needed for them to succeed. Without proper accommodations, some students may never reach their full potential. If your student's school is failing them, whether online or in the classroom, our Education Law Team can help. Contact us today at 888.535.3686 or fill out our online form to get in touch and explain your student's situation.

New Regulations in a Short Time Frame

Despite already going into effect in 2024, this new DOJ rule provides schools and universities with extra time to comply. Larger districts and public universities have two years, while smaller districts have three. But what are the new guidelines, and how do they affect students?

Going forward, public entities must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA for technical materials. These guidelines provide a framework for those creating websites or digital materials to design and implement features with disabilities in mind. WCAG covers a lot of ground, but it generally calls for features like text alternatives for non-text content, audio and visual content captions, and simplified layouts that don't eliminate information.

Current Responsibilities of Schools and Institutions

Although schools and educational institutions are preparing to comply with the new DOJ rule, they already have obligations to students with disabilities, primarily due to the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Together, these laws require that learning environments, resources, and information are accessible to all, regardless of their disability status. Despite these requirements, some schools may be falling short. The DOJ hopes to clearly outline what is expected of schools to minimize the harm currently done to students with disabilities.

WCAG focuses on web content, and the guidelines affect websites, apps, digital textbooks, online materials, and online school communications. However, if your student is currently facing difficulty in their academic career due to non-accessible online content, you don't need to wait for the implementation of WCAG to act. Every student has the right to high-quality education on par with their peers today, not in the future. Even if specific loopholes exist or current guidelines are unclear, your student's school should not restrict their potential.

Experienced Disability Accommodations Attorneys Can Help Your Student

There are few things as important as your child's education. New DOJ rules may fix some structural issues regarding accessibility in education, but you can't wait if your child needs help in the present day. Contact the Lento Law Firm today by phone at 888.535.3686 or contact us through our website.