Frequently Asked Questions

As the world relies more and more on technology it is imperative that people with disabilities have access to content and equipment to enable them to fully participate in many fields, including education.

Aside from the importance of web and technology accessibility to allow access to people with disabilities, it is the law.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. These laws mandate that people with disabilities are afforded equal access, regardless of their disability, to programs and services that are provided by public entities. This includes public schools.

The laws require that:

1. People with disabilities not be discriminated against,
2. Communications with people with disabilities are as effective as communications with others and
3. That the district make reasonable modifications of practices to ensure equal opportunity and access to website content, software, and equipment for people with disabilities.

No, these services must be provided free of charge to qualifying individuals with a disability.

For the purpose of nondiscrimination generally, a “qualifying individual” means “someone who has a record of, or is perceived as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”

For the specific purposes of receiving effective communication or modification of practices, a person must currently have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.