This document summarizes the history and requirements of digital accessibility laws and guidelines, common findings of non-compliance, and resources for improving accessibility of online instruction. It notes key laws and guidelines passed since 1973 aimed at ensuring those with disabilities can access the same information as others, including Section 504, ADA, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Common findings of non-compliance include lack of alt text, inaccessible PDFs, missing captions, unusable video controls, and color/contrast issues. Resources are provided to help make online classes and materials accessible.

1. Its Past Time to
Make
Instruction
Accessible
Raymond Rose
Texas Digital Learning Association
Digital Learning Collaborative

2. Its Past Time to Make Instruction Accessible
• 1973 Section 504 Rehabilitation Act
• 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• 1998 Section 508 Rehabilitation Act Amended
• 2008 WCAG 2.0
• 2010 Office for Civil Rights Dear Colleague Letter
• 2018 WCAG 2.1
Coming
Draft Update Section 504
WCAG 3.0

3. OCR’s Operational Definition of Accessibility
“those with a disability are able to acquire the
same information and engage in the same
interactions — and within the same time frame —
as those without disabilities.”
OCR Compliance Review 11-11-2128, 06121583,
paraphrased from 11-13-5001, 10122118, 11-11-6002

4. Web Content
Accessibility
Guidelines
(WCAG)
Perceivable, meaning that users can
perceive websites with their senses
(mainly sight and hearing);
Operable by mouse, keyboard and
assistive device;
Understandable without confusion;
Robust so as to be accessible by a range
of technologies new and old.

5. Product
Accessibility
Instruments
• Voluntary Product Accessibility
Template (VPAT)
• Discloses current accessibility level
• Accessibility Conformance Report
(ACR)
• Based on VPAT demonstrates digital
accessibility

6. Common OCR Findings
1.Lack of alternative text on all images
2.Documents not posted in an accessible
format (pay attention to pdfs)
3.Lack of captions on all videos
4.Inability to operate video controls using
assistive technology
5.Improperly structured data tables
6

7. More Common OCR Findings
5.Improperly formatted and labeled form
fields
6.Improper contrast between background
and foreground colors
7.Using color for navigation directions
8.Frames not titled with text that
facilitates frame identification and
navigation
7

8. Raymond Rose
• Ray@rose-smith.com
• RRose@txdla.org
• 512.791.3100
• These slides are at
• Slideshare.net/raymondrose
• RMRose.blogspot.com

9. Resources
• Access and Equity in Online Classes and
Virtual Schools 2007
• Access and Equity for All Learners in
Blended and Online Education 2014
• OCR’s short videos on a variety of digital
accessibility topics; each is 3-5 minutes
long and meant to introduce basic
concepts to those who are unfamiliar
with digital accessibility.
• Connecting accessibility, third-party
curriculum and student success

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