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ARTICLE · 13 JUNE 2011

OCR Issues FAQ To Address Technology And Accessibility

Franczek
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On May 26, 2011, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued an online FAQ document discussing how OCR believes the "equal access" requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1964 (Section 504) apply to the use of emerging technology such as electronic book readers, online application processes, and websites in higher education.

United StatesEmployment and HR
Ellen Babbitt
Ellen Babbitt
Jackie Wernz
Jackie Wernz

On May 26, 2011, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued an online FAQ document discussing how OCR believes the "equal access" requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1964 (Section 504) apply to the use of emerging technology such as electronic book readers, online application processes, and websites in higher education. The FAQ offers valuable insight into the enforcement priorities of OCR and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in this area of disability law and may be helpful to institutions grappling with the challenges of technological accessibility.

The FAQ is only the latest in a series of agency actions—some inspired by complaints and court proceedings—that focus on the issue of technological accessibility.  The FAQ elaborates on issues addressed in a June 29, 2010 "Dear Colleague" Letter, which was jointly issued by OCR and by the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ.  As we

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