The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Education released a fact sheet and webinar to ensure web and online accessibility for students with disabilities during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The resources do not tell you how to make your Canvas course accessible, but are helpful in providing context for why accessibility is still a requirement even with rapid changes in how we support students and our campus community. They are a very clear and helpful introduction to the topic of access to digital information and technology. They also demonstrate OCR's commitment to compliance as related to this issue.
As OCR states:
Schools have significant latitude and authority to make necessary actions to protect the health, safety, and welfare of students and school staff (but, in doing so) they should be mindful of the requirements (of civil rights laws) to ensure that all students are able to study and learn in an environment that is safe and free from discrimination…
Whatever decisions are made by the school (such as decisions to temporarily suspend classes), schools must continue to comply with their non-discrimination obligations under federal civil rights laws, including Section 504 and Title II.
Fact Sheet
The Fact Sheet (PDF) is meant to help educational leaders in making online learning accessible to students with disabilities and in preventing discrimination. It includes tips to prevent incidents of discrimination and provides tools to assist schools in facilitating distance learning for all students.
Webinar
The 7 minute webinar reminds educators that many people are blind, have low vision, have mobility disabilities, are deaf or hard of hearing, and have other disabilities such as seizure disorders or cognitive disabilities. It explains that all online programs and resources need to allow students with disabilities access while using assistive technology. If that is not possible, an equally effective alternative means of access must be provided. Regarding the webinar, Kenneth L. Marcus, the Education Department's assistant secretary for civil rights states:
Students with disabilities must have access to educational technology utilized by schools, and OCR will continue to work to ensure that no student is excluded from utilizing these important tools.
Watch OCR's webinar on online education and website accessibility: