The need for digital accessibility emerged alongside the internet and digital technologies in the late 20th century. As the internet became an essential tool for communication, education, and commerce, it was clear that many individuals with disabilities were excluded from important aspects of public life due to inaccessible websites, software, and digital content.
The first major push for digital accessibility began in the 1990s, following the enactment of laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in Australia. The application of these laws, initially focused on physical spaces and services, later extended to the digital realm as digital technology grew increasingly integral to our daily lives.
The movement for an accessible web was accelerated by the launch of the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) in 1997. And in 1999, the WAI developed the first version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provided a roadmap for a more inclusive digital world.
Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the laws and standards governing digital accessibility and explore why educational institutions, in particular, must prioritize online inclusion.
Laws and Standards Supporting Digital Accessibility
Several key laws and standards have been instrumental in enforcing and supporting web accessibility.
1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Enacted in 1990, the ADA is a U.S. civil rights law prohibiting disability discrimination. Although at first the ADA focused on the physical world, its scope has expanded to include digital accessibility, especially after several landmark legal cases. Title II of the ADA covers state and local government organizations, including public colleges and universities. The law requires that institutions ensure their web and mobile content conforms with specific technical accessibility standards.
Additionally, courts have ruled that the websites, online services, and digital tools of private organizations—such as private schools and universities—must be accessible to individuals with disabilities under Title III of the ADA, which applies to “public accommodations.”
2. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973)
Section 508 requires U.S. federal agencies and federally funded organizations to make electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible. This includes ensuring that websites, software, and digital tools are usable by people with various disabilities, including visual, auditory, and mobility disabilities.
3. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Developed by the W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative, WCAG is the most widely accepted global standard for digital accessibility. WCAG outlines specific guidelines for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities. The guidelines are organized into three levels: A (foundational accessibility), AA (the target accessibility level for most institutions), and AAA (the highest level of accessibility).
WCAG 2.0 was published in 2008, followed by WCAG 2.1 in 2018. In 2023, the W3C released WCAG 2.2, which introduced new criteria to address evolving technologies and improve access for individuals with cognitive and learning disabilities.
4. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The CRPD is an international treaty that reinforces the rights of individuals with disabilities, including the right to access digital information and services. It has influenced many countries’ legal frameworks for digital accessibility, emphasizing that access to information is a human right.
Digital Accessibility in Modern Educational Institutions
Digital accessibility is critical to providing equal access to learning opportunities. With the rise of online learning, hybrid classrooms, and digital teaching tools, many students with disabilities face challenges in accessing crucial resources if they are not designed for accessibility. Here are a few considerations educational institutions should be aware of as they aim to provide inclusive learning experiences for students.
1. Inclusive Online Learning Platforms
Educational institutions increasingly adopt digital platforms for delivering courses, assignments, and assessments. These platforms must meet digital accessibility standards to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, can use them effectively. Accessibility best practices such as screen reader compatibility, alternative text for images, and keyboard navigation are essential to making these platforms accessible. Before purchasing a new learning management system (LMS) or other digital platform for students to use, schools should first validate its accessibility.
2. Accessible Digital Content
Providing captions for videos, transcripts for audio content, and making text-based materials available in multiple formats (e.g., ensuring PDFs work with assistive technologies) are a few ways educational institutions can improve the accessibility of digital content.
3. Compatibility with Assistive Technologies and Tools
Assistive technologies like screen readers, voice recognition software, and alternative input devices enable students to engage with digital content in ways that meet their individual needs. When providing digital learning experiences, educational institutions should take care that these experiences are compatible with any assistive technologies students may use.
4. Legal Compliance
Laws like the ADA require institutions to provide accessible digital resources to students, and failure to comply can result in legal action and penalties. Beyond being costly, lawsuits can also damage an institution’s reputation. Third-party digital accessibility experts can help organizations understand their legal obligations and address any gaps in compliance.
Staying Accessible in The Digital World
For modern educational institutions, adhering to digital accessibility laws and standards like the ADA isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a moral imperative. And it aligns with the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion many universities and colleges prioritize today. By committing to digital accessibility, educational organizations can create inclusive learning environments where all students can succeed.