ADA Compliance for Digital Communications
Every new school building is designed with accessibility in mind - with ramps, handrails, and braille to welcome everyone. Our online spaces should reflect that same care and intention, ensuring that digital access is equally universal.
Creating Accessible Content for All
As a public school district, we are legally and ethically required to make all digital content accessible to everyone - including students, families, staff, and community members with disabilities. This means every email you send, document you share, assignment you post, and update you make online must meet accessibility standards.
Following digital accessibility guidelines is not optional - it is a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Federal enforcement is increasing, and new rules will soon strengthen these obligations. But beyond compliance, accessibility is a reflection of our values: inclusion and respect for all learners.
This guide will help you understand what accessibility means and how to ensure the digital content you create is usable by everyone.
What Needs to Be Accessible?
Everything you post or share digitally, including:
- Emails and email attachments
- ParentSquare Posts
- Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
- Classroom assignments on platforms like Schoology
- Website content and blog posts
- Social media posts
- Event flyers and newsletters
- Forms and surveys
- Videos, graphics, and PDFs
Reminder: Using an accessible platform doesn’t make your content accessible by default. You still need to use the built-in tools - like headings, alt text, and good contrast - to make your documents, posts, and messages usable for everyone.
