| Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  |
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  |
|---|
By the Office of Special Education Programs and the Office of Educational Technology
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Office of Educational Technology (OET) are celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) throughout the month of May.
This year is an exciting year for accessibility! In January, the department released the new National EdTech Plan, and OSEP and OET co-published Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children With Disabilities Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Here’s a list of accessibility hot topics and initiatives “buzzing” in our offices!
- Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
From the Department of Justice: On April 24, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice’s update of its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These updated regulations have specific requirements to ensure that web content and mobile applications are accessible to people with disabilities. State and local governments, including public school districts and universities, will have until 2027 or 2028 (depending on population size) to comply with these updates. For more information, see Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments.
– - OSEP-funded centers continue to provide and expand public resources about digital accessibility. Check out Accelerate Access for information and links about resource ranging from accessible media to inclusive assessments. Stay tuned to the OSERS blog for an upcoming post about the innovative work of the Described and Captioned Media Program, including their new AI Scene Description Tool.
– - Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Young adults with visual impairments in the Learn Earn and Prosper (LEAP) program, an OSEP Educational Technology, Media, and Materials grantee with ReSOURCE in Vermont, recently spent a weekend learning to code their own webpages. Check out the LEAP Instagram feed for photos, videos, and links to their accessible, digital work.
– - OET is committed to ensuring accessibility is top of mind for everyone. Digital accessibility allows for learners, teachers, parents, and other people with disabilities to engage with technological tools and materials and meet the same outcomes as learners without disabilities. OET’s accessibility resources include supports and insights from learners, educators, parents, and developers. Visit OET’s Digital Accessibility for All Learners webpage for additional information and resources.
2024 has been a momentous year for the Department and the world as we strive for inclusive and accessible learning environments (via in person and on digital platforms) for all. By centering the needs of those at the margins, we are able to provide transformative learning experiences that are accessible to everyone, especially our students with disabilities.
Blog articles provide insights on the activities of schools, programs, grantees, and other education stakeholders to promote continuing discussion of educational innovation and reform. Articles do not endorse any educational product, service, curriculum or pedagogy.
