Focus Area

Digital Equity

Training, consulting, and support for increasing access to connectivity, digital content, and tech-powered learning.

Digital Equity

Digital equity is about more than access to devices and connectivity. It means ensuring every learner has the opportunity to fully participate in and benefit from technology-enabled learning through accessible design, inclusive practices, and meaningful learning experiences.

The Learning Technology Center helps Illinois schools put digital equity into practice through training, consulting, and resources focused on accessibility, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), connectivity and devices, sustainable funding, equitable policies, and the thoughtful design and use of technology.

All
Blog Post
3 Keys to Remember While Finalizing your E-Rate Application

3 Keys to Remember While Finalizing your E-Rate Application

The 21-22 E-Rate Form 471 filing deadline is just around the corner on March 25, 2021. Don't miss these important E-Rate program updates as you put the final touches on…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
3 Tips for Making Digital Learning More Accessible

3 Tips for Making Digital Learning More Accessible

While digital learning has opened new opportunities for students to grow, not all students can engage with digital content by default. These 3 tips can help you make your digital…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
3 Ways You Can Add Digital Accessibility to Your Classroom Today

3 Ways You Can Add Digital Accessibility to Your Classroom Today

As it stands, some digital learning tools and communications are not effectively accessible by default. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that teachers like you can make their classroom’s digital content…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Accessibility on your District Website: 5 Hidden Gaps Hindering Compliance

Accessibility on your District Website: 5 Hidden Gaps Hindering Compliance

Forms, PDFs, and other digital documents often create accessibility barriers on district websites. Here are a few types that are often overlooked – and why it matters to remediate them…

Digital Equity
Contract

Connect Distributors

Contract #AEPA 025.5-D

End Date: February 28, 2027

Mobile & Cellular Connectivity
Service

Cybersecurity Pilot Program

Support for Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF).

Blog Post
Dupo CUSD 196 Bridges the Homework Gap

Dupo CUSD 196 Bridges the Homework Gap

Dupo School District in Southern Illinois is addressing the homework gap head-on.  District leaders have decided to narrow the gap for their students by deploying a mobile hotspot lending program.…

Digital Equity
Contract

E-Rate Central

Contract #AEPA 025.5-C

End Date: February 28, 2027

E-Rate Consulting Services
Blog Post
E-Rate Emergency Connectivity Fund – What You Need to Know

E-Rate Emergency Connectivity Fund – What You Need to Know

On May 11, 2021, the FCC announced a finalized rule set for the administration of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), a $7.1 billion appropriation derived from the larger $1.9 trillion…

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 470 Virtual Workshop

Nov 20, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 470 Virtual Workshop

Dec 3, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 470 Walkthrough & Program Updates | LAST CHANCE

Jan 14, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Jan 30, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Feb 4, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Feb 11, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Feb 18, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Feb 27, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Mar 5, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough | LAST CHANCE

Mar 23, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Service

E-Rate Support

Application assistance, trainings, and updates to keep your district connected to essential federal internet and connectivity funding.

Blog Post
E-rate Support for Additional Bandwidth

E-rate Support for Additional Bandwidth

The FCC and USAC opened a new 471 Window to specifically address requests for financial assistance towards immediate increases in bandwidth for the current school year, July 1, 2020 -…

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Update: FCC NPRM Roundtable Discussion

Jul 29, 2026 Online Free

The FCC is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the federal E-Rate program. Join fellow district leaders to discuss your question, and learn how you can submit comments that advocate for your district's perspective.

Digital Equity
Blog Post
E-Rate Update: FY 2025 Form 470 & Form 471 Deadlines

E-Rate Update: FY 2025 Form 470 & Form 471 Deadlines

Deadlines for 2025's Form 470 and Form 471 have been announced. Mark your calendars now and make plans to complete your application so that your funding request stays on track.

Digital Equity
Service

Education Consulting

Consulting on all tech-related teaching and learning topics.

Blog Post
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program – What You Need to Know

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program – What You Need to Know

Starting May 12, 2021, eligible households can apply to receive up to $50 off their monthly home internet bill through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Read on to learn about…

Digital Equity
Service

Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Support

Support for Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF).

Blog Post
Ensuring Digital Accessibility in K-12 Schools

Ensuring Digital Accessibility in K-12 Schools

The DOJ’s April 2024 rule requires all public schools to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards by April 2027—covering websites, apps, PDFs, and learning platforms.

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Exploring the NETP

Exploring the NETP

How can districts begin to close the digital use, design, and access gaps identified in the new National Educational Technology Plan? Digital Equity Advisor Ji Soo Song walks us through…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Funding Update: USF, E-Rate, and Ongoing Litigation

Funding Update: USF, E-Rate, and Ongoing Litigation

As 2024 comes to close, the funding that supports E-Rate is undergoing critical examination. Here are the latest updates on pending litigation and potential outcomes.

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Golf Outing Returns to Support Technology Mini Grants

Golf Outing Returns to Support Technology Mini Grants

Join fellow educators, school leaders, and golf enthusiasts for a full day on the links, with funds raised supporting grants that promote creative and meaningful tech integration.

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Illinois’ New Digital Accessibility Law – What Education Leaders Need to Know about HB 26

Illinois’ New Digital Accessibility Law – What Education Leaders Need to Know about HB 26

Effective August 1, 2022, HB 26 requires 3rd party curriculum content to achieve Level AA accessibility conformity, as outlined in the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (W3C…

Digital Equity
Service

Instructional Technology Coaching Program

High-quality and embedded instructional technology coaching throughout the entire year.

Contract

Kajeet

Contract #AEPA 025.5-D

End Date: February 28, 2027

Mobile & Cellular Connectivity
Event

LTC E-Rate Essentials 470 Virtual Workshop

Dec 9, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

LTC E-Rate Essentials 470 Virtual Workshop

Dec 5, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

LTC E-Rate Essentials 470 Virtual Workshop

Dec 12, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

LTC E-Rate Essentials 470 Virtual Workshop

Dec 15, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Service

LTC Purchasing Program

There’s a better way to purchase. Join the program to access 60+ competitively-bid contracts and exclusive discounts on everything from student devices to instructional materials.

Contract

Mission Telecom

Contract #LTCPP-026MT01

End Date: July 19, 2027

Mobile & Cellular Connectivity
Blog Post
Proposed FCC Changes & their Impact on Illinois

Proposed FCC Changes & their Impact on Illinois

Changes are coming to several important FCC programs relating to funding and edtech. Tune in to learn how they'll impact Illinois schools from program expert Mindy Fiscus.

Digital Equity
Service

Technology & Connectivity Funding

Support for E-rate and related programs.

Services
Service

Cybersecurity Pilot Program

Support for Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF).

Service

Technology & Connectivity Funding

Support for E-rate and related programs.

Service

Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Support

Support for Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF).

Service

E-Rate Support

Application assistance, trainings, and updates to keep your district connected to essential federal internet and connectivity funding.

Service

Instructional Technology Coaching Program

High-quality and embedded instructional technology coaching throughout the entire year.

Service

Education Consulting

Consulting on all tech-related teaching and learning topics.

Service

LTC Purchasing Program

There’s a better way to purchase. Join the program to access 60+ competitively-bid contracts and exclusive discounts on everything from student devices to instructional materials.

Events
Event

E-Rate Update: FCC NPRM Roundtable Discussion

Jul 29, 2026 Online Free

The FCC is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the federal E-Rate program. Join fellow district leaders to discuss your question, and learn how you can submit comments that advocate for your district's perspective.

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough | LAST CHANCE

Mar 23, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Mar 5, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Feb 27, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Feb 18, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Feb 11, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Feb 4, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 471 Walkthrough

Jan 30, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete phase two of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 470 Walkthrough & Program Updates | LAST CHANCE

Jan 14, 2026 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

LTC E-Rate Essentials 470 Virtual Workshop

Dec 15, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

LTC E-Rate Essentials 470 Virtual Workshop

Dec 12, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

LTC E-Rate Essentials 470 Virtual Workshop

Dec 9, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

LTC E-Rate Essentials 470 Virtual Workshop

Dec 5, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 470 Virtual Workshop

Dec 3, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Event

E-Rate Essentials: Form 470 Virtual Workshop

Nov 20, 2025 Online Free

Learn and complete the first phase of your E-Rate application with an E-Rate expert on hand – all from the convenience of your office or living room!

Digital Equity
Articles
Blog Post
Accessibility on your District Website: 5 Hidden Gaps Hindering Compliance

Accessibility on your District Website: 5 Hidden Gaps Hindering Compliance

Forms, PDFs, and other digital documents often create accessibility barriers on district websites. Here are a few types that are often overlooked – and why it matters to remediate them…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Golf Outing Returns to Support Technology Mini Grants

Golf Outing Returns to Support Technology Mini Grants

Join fellow educators, school leaders, and golf enthusiasts for a full day on the links, with funds raised supporting grants that promote creative and meaningful tech integration.

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Ensuring Digital Accessibility in K-12 Schools

Ensuring Digital Accessibility in K-12 Schools

The DOJ’s April 2024 rule requires all public schools to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards by April 2027—covering websites, apps, PDFs, and learning platforms.

Digital Equity
Blog Post
E-Rate Update: FY 2025 Form 470 & Form 471 Deadlines

E-Rate Update: FY 2025 Form 470 & Form 471 Deadlines

Deadlines for 2025's Form 470 and Form 471 have been announced. Mark your calendars now and make plans to complete your application so that your funding request stays on track.

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Funding Update: USF, E-Rate, and Ongoing Litigation

Funding Update: USF, E-Rate, and Ongoing Litigation

As 2024 comes to close, the funding that supports E-Rate is undergoing critical examination. Here are the latest updates on pending litigation and potential outcomes.

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Exploring the NETP

Exploring the NETP

How can districts begin to close the digital use, design, and access gaps identified in the new National Educational Technology Plan? Digital Equity Advisor Ji Soo Song walks us through…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Proposed FCC Changes & their Impact on Illinois

Proposed FCC Changes & their Impact on Illinois

Changes are coming to several important FCC programs relating to funding and edtech. Tune in to learn how they'll impact Illinois schools from program expert Mindy Fiscus.

Digital Equity
Blog Post
3 Ways You Can Add Digital Accessibility to Your Classroom Today

3 Ways You Can Add Digital Accessibility to Your Classroom Today

As it stands, some digital learning tools and communications are not effectively accessible by default. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that teachers like you can make their classroom’s digital content…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Illinois’ New Digital Accessibility Law – What Education Leaders Need to Know about HB 26

Illinois’ New Digital Accessibility Law – What Education Leaders Need to Know about HB 26

Effective August 1, 2022, HB 26 requires 3rd party curriculum content to achieve Level AA accessibility conformity, as outlined in the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (W3C…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
3 Tips for Making Digital Learning More Accessible

3 Tips for Making Digital Learning More Accessible

While digital learning has opened new opportunities for students to grow, not all students can engage with digital content by default. These 3 tips can help you make your digital…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
E-Rate Emergency Connectivity Fund – What You Need to Know

E-Rate Emergency Connectivity Fund – What You Need to Know

On May 11, 2021, the FCC announced a finalized rule set for the administration of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), a $7.1 billion appropriation derived from the larger $1.9 trillion…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program – What You Need to Know

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program – What You Need to Know

Starting May 12, 2021, eligible households can apply to receive up to $50 off their monthly home internet bill through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Read on to learn about…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
3 Keys to Remember While Finalizing your E-Rate Application

3 Keys to Remember While Finalizing your E-Rate Application

The 21-22 E-Rate Form 471 filing deadline is just around the corner on March 25, 2021. Don't miss these important E-Rate program updates as you put the final touches on…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
E-rate Support for Additional Bandwidth

E-rate Support for Additional Bandwidth

The FCC and USAC opened a new 471 Window to specifically address requests for financial assistance towards immediate increases in bandwidth for the current school year, July 1, 2020 -…

Digital Equity
Blog Post
Dupo CUSD 196 Bridges the Homework Gap

Dupo CUSD 196 Bridges the Homework Gap

Dupo School District in Southern Illinois is addressing the homework gap head-on.  District leaders have decided to narrow the gap for their students by deploying a mobile hotspot lending program.…

Digital Equity
Purchasing Contracts