Posts

Websites as Places of Public Accommodation

The Cooley Law Group LLP has prepared a concise, informative analysis of  recent decisions  related to online accessibility with a particular focus on the Department of Justice settlement with eduX Inc.

Recent headlines around a high-profile settlement between
the US Department of Justice and edX, Inc., one of the
largest and earliest distributors of MOOCs, have once again
highlighted the importance of understanding the rules for
making online courses and services accessible to those with
various types and levels of disabilities. While much of the
media coverage of the edX settlement has focused on the
fact that the government sued so high-profile—and
respected—an online provider, to date there has been little
recognition that the enforcement action may signal an effort
to extend the ADA’s accessibility requirements not only to a
broader range of non-institutional entities providing web-based
instruction, but also to those that provide other
education-related services. . .

To read more of this analysis. . .

DOJ Settlement May Extend Accessibility Requirements to Virtual Space

Kyle Shachmut on “New Obstacle for Students with Disabilities”

“Most people assume technology expands opportunities for students with disabilities. While the potential exists, it can be realized only if technology is designed and coded [and utilized] with equal access in mind. Despite years of public-awareness campaigns, legal challenges, and advocacy efforts, many commonly used technologies built or purchased by colleges—email systems, learning-management systems, library databases, classroom materials—actually do more to prevent students with disabilities from equal participation than paper-based systems ever did.”

Kyle Shachmut “A New Obstacle for Students With Disabilities.” Chronicle of Higher Education 9/12/14.

Guide to Visual Disabilities and Online Learning

Online education is designed to open doors for students. Many students who might not be able to become a full-time residential student at a college or university  or who want a particular course, find online courses of value. However, for prospective students with visual impairments, online learning may create more barriers than gateways.

Obtaining a college education is no easy task, but for students with visual disabilities, the path to completing a degree program is lined with unique challenges and barriers. Accessible Colleges Online has prepared a resource exploring  how visual impairments impact the educational experience, what colleges  can do, and includes numerous resources, including insight and tips from students and experts in the field.

To read the entire resource, visit: A Guide to Visual Disabilities: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed

Accessible Colleges Online is designed to help students and parents identify colleges, degree programs, scholarship opportunities and more that fit their respective academic and financial wants and needs.  The site is also designed to help educate students and parents about the importance of accreditation.