Implementing Digital Accessibility in Education

A Primer for K-12 Schools

Focusing on Digital Accessibility

Revised federal accessibility requirements have re-emphasized what many educators already intuitively know—accessibility is essential in all educational environments, including on digital platforms used for learning or communicating with the public.

Developing and maintaining compliant digital accessibility means more than checking a box. This primer offers educators and school leaders a simple starting point for understanding:

  • What digital accessibility looks like and how it behaves in practice
  • Digital accessibility best practices, as defined by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
  • Current digital accessibility mandates, and their applicability

The Basics

These foundational practices make digital content more accessible, and they are often easier to apply than you might think. Select a topic to learn more.
Color Contrast
Side-by-side comparison of color contrast in text. Left: White text on a dark blue background is marked with a green checkmark for 'accessible.' Right: Grey text on a dark blue background marked with a red X for 'inaccessible.'
Readable text relies on strong contrast between text and background colors. High contrast ensures that users with low vision, color blindness, or small screens can comfortably read your content.
Alternative Text
Comparison of inaccessible and accessible alt text: the left example provides minimal, vague descriptors, while the right example includes a detailed, meaningful description of the image.
Alt text provides a short description of an image so screen readers can convey meaning to users who cannot see it. Good alt text focuses on what the image communicates, not just what it looks like.
Headings & Structure
A graphic illustrating the visual hierarchy of HTML headings: Heading 1 appears bold and largest, Heading 2 is medium weight and smaller, and Heading 3 is the lightest and smallest.
Proper use of headings (H1, H2, H3) organizes content in a way that screen readers can interpret, whether in webpages or PDFs. Clear structure helps all users navigate more quickly and understand how information is grouped across digital documents.
Meaningful Links
A graphic showing two examples of hyperlink text. The first is labeled 'Click here' and marked with a red X to indicate a vague, inaccessible link. The second is labeled 'Fill out our survey' and marked with a green checkmark to indicate a meaningful, descriptive link.

Links should describe where they lead. Instead of “Click here,” use descriptive text like “Download the field trip form.” This supports both accessibility and comprehension.
Captions & Transcripts
Side-by-side comparison of video accessibility. Left: A video without captions marked with a red X for 'inaccessible.' Right: A video with captions marked with a green checkmark for 'accessible.'

Videos and audio recordings should include captions and written transcripts so users who are deaf or hard of hearing, or anyone in a quiet or loud environment, can access the content.
Side-by-side comparison of color contrast in text. Left: White text on a dark blue background is marked with a green checkmark for 'accessible.' Right: Grey text on a dark blue background marked with a red X for 'inaccessible.'
Readable text relies on strong contrast between text and background colors. High contrast ensures that users with low vision, color blindness, or small screens can comfortably read your content.
Comparison of inaccessible and accessible alt text: the left example provides minimal, vague descriptors, while the right example includes a detailed, meaningful description of the image.
Alt text provides a short description of an image so screen readers can convey meaning to users who cannot see it. Good alt text focuses on what the image communicates, not just what it looks like.
A graphic illustrating the visual hierarchy of HTML headings: Heading 1 appears bold and largest, Heading 2 is medium weight and smaller, and Heading 3 is the lightest and smallest.
Proper use of headings (H1, H2, H3) organizes content in a way that screen readers can interpret, whether in webpages or PDFs. Clear structure helps all users navigate more quickly and understand how information is grouped across digital documents.
A graphic showing two examples of hyperlink text. The first is labeled 'Click here' and marked with a red X to indicate a vague, inaccessible link. The second is labeled 'Fill out our survey' and marked with a green checkmark to indicate a meaningful, descriptive link.

Links should describe where they lead. Instead of “Click here,” use descriptive text like “Download the field trip form.” This supports both accessibility and comprehension.
Side-by-side comparison of video accessibility. Left: A video without captions marked with a red X for 'inaccessible.' Right: A video with captions marked with a green checkmark for 'accessible.'

Videos and audio recordings should include captions and written transcripts so users who are deaf or hard of hearing, or anyone in a quiet or loud environment, can access the content.

Common Questions

What are the WCAG standards?

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that help make digital content perceivable, navigable, interactive, and able to be understood by all users.

These standards define how to make web content accessible to people with disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurological disabilities; in practice, these standards also improve usability for all people.

Implementation of these standards is split into three compliance levels: A, AA, and AAA. Under a revised federal mandate, school districts are required to meet level AA compliance, at the minimum.

Although version 2.2 is now available, version 2.1 is referenced in all relevant mandates at this time. 

Click here to explore the full WCAG 2.1 standards →

What are common examples of effective WCAG implementation?

Often, successful WCAG implementation is contextual. However, there are several foundational practices that schools can utilize to build out a robust, compliant web content ecosystem.

Common examples include:

  • High contrast between text and background colors (in both body text and titles)
  • Descriptive alt text for images
  • Proper use of headings
  • Hyperlink text that describes where it leads
  • Providing captions and written transcripts for all video content

Explore the Basics section for more details on these foundational practices →

 

What is the digital content accessibility mandate? When does it take effect?

Going forward, K-12 school districts are required to ensure their public-facing digital content meets WCAG AA 2.1 accessibility requirements. 

This mandate come from a, updated US Department of Justice ADA Title II rule, which adopts WCAG 2.1 AA as the accessibility standard for state and local government services (including schools). The purpose is to ensure that everyone who interacts with public services and institutions (including students, families, and the general public) has equitable access to important digital information.

Effective rollout for this mandate is staggered based on the total population of the geographic area that your district serves.

  • Districts serving ≥ 50,000 population residents must comply by April 24, 2026.
  • Districts serving < 50,000 population residents must comply by April 26, 2027.
What types of content does this mandate apply to?

This mandate applies to all public-facing digital content and web platforms, including (but not limited to): websites, documents, media, and online communications. Outside of your district website, assets including PDFs, social media, and educational tools also fall under this umbrella.

Districts are additionally responsible for ensuring that third party tools, apps, and vendors that host or communicate covered digital content meet these requirements.

The mandate is retroactive, with a few exceptions. Resources created before the effective date must be updated if they remain public-facing and are still in use. Content that is no longer in use must be clearly labeled as archived in order to qualify for an exception.

Why should my district comply with this mandate?

Primarily, noncompliance with this mandate exposes school districts to additional legal liability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Guidance from your district’s legal counsel may be necessary to fully understand your district’s potential liability.

Beyond mandatory compliance, adherence to the principles and practices outlined in these legal requirements can significantly reduce barriers to accessing your district’s digital content. Continued adherence also promotes inclusivity within your educational community, ensuring people with disabilities – including students, parents, and community members – are provided equitable opportunities to engage with your district in digital environments.

Additionally, these digital accessibility best practices supplement efforts toward universal design. This curb-cut effect positively impacts access for all people, which orients your district’s digital content strategy toward proactive (rather than reactive) accessibility.

Practical Resources for Getting Started

These LTC-developed resources can help your district explore digital accessibility at a comfortable pace. Each resources offer broad guidance to help K-12 teams build familiarity with best practices before diving deeper.

 

Resource
Best Practices

Anatomy of an Accessible Website

What does an accessible page look like? This infographic illustrates key web accessibility best practices in action, including heading structure, meaningful links, alternative text, color contrast.

Resource
Best Practices

Vendor Accessibility Compliance Email Template

Districts may collect digital accessibility compliance documentation from third-party vendors. This template helps district leaders initiate this process and communicate action items to vendors.

Resource
Best Practices

Web Accessibility Checklist for Schools

These checklists can support a thorough digital audit and help your school track if its PDFs, videos, interactive learning tools, and website comply with WCAG 2.1 best practices.

    Tools and Guides for Diving Deeper

    Once you’re ready to take the next step, these tools, guides, and training opportunities can support your ongoing accessibility journey.

    Each offers insights into infusing digital accessibility best practices into common school district activities, such as updating a website, preparing documents, or building staff awareness.
    Standards & Requirements
    Policies & Guides
    Accessibility Evaluation & Testing Tools
    Training & Support

    Disclaimer: This content in this primer is for educational purposes only and shall not be considered legal advice or guidance. It is not a comprehensive list of all accessibility requirements. LTC does not serve as a relevant regulator or auditor and shall not be held legally responsible for how this information is used.