Get to Know the New National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction Webinar
Demand for training and resources on digital accessibility in PreK-12 settings has never been higher. Schools are creating more inclusive learning environments that meet federal and state legal obligations by proactively ensuring that digital educational materials are accessible to students with disabilities.
Enter the new National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction (NCADEMI – pronounced “n-cademy”), funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education. We provide training and technical assistance to help states and school districts (and others) improve accessibility practices and make informed decisions about educational materials that are usable for students with disabilities.
Who Should Watch?
If the phrase “digital accessibility” gets your attention, this webinar has something for you! NCADEMI serves wide-ranging communities, specifically:
- State educational agency and local school district staff with both general and special education responsibilities.
- Part C lead agency and early intervention program staff.
- Parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities.
- Pre- and in-service educator preparation program faculty and administrators.
- OSEP-funded centers and projects seeking assistance with digital accessibility.
Presenters
- Brenda Smith, Principal Investigator
- Christopher Phillips, Technical Assistance Specialist
- Cynthia Curry, Project Director
- Jena Fahlbush, Technical Assistance Specialist
Video and Slides
- PowerPoint Slides
- Transcript (PDF)
Summary of Q&A Discussion
How does NCADEMI address accessibility for non-English speaking students with disabilities?
NCADEMI primarily focuses on making digital content accessible for individuals with disabilities under ADA Title II and IDEA. However, we welcome the opportunity to partner with experts in English language acquisition to address the unique needs of students with disabilities who are learning English.
Can we link these resources on our SEA websites related to AEM?
Absolutely! Please feel free to link to any of our website materials to help people find them. In addition – all of our materials are Creative Commons licensed, so you can actually take any of our resources and use them in whatever way would be helpful.
When can we expect future NCADEMI resources to be available?
Resources will be released in phases as soon as they are available, with continuous updates over time. For example, the product accessibility review platform will initially feature publicly available information, with additional content added later based on NCADEMI accessibility testing. Similarly, we will soon begin releasing a series of learning modules and micro-credentials on Canvas and will gradually add new series over time.
What are the potential repercussions for school districts that fail to comply with the new ADA Title II regulations?
The exact repercussions are not yet fully known, and school districts are advised to consult their legal counsel for specific guidance. However, potential consequences may include additional compliance requirements, private litigation, or government investigations. It is important for districts to proactively address compliance and assess their specific risk factors.
How does NCADEMI support large LEAs with extensive digital content repositories in making their content more accessible and prioritizing content for accessibility?
We recognize that every state educational agency and school district faces unique challenges in achieving digital accessibility. NCADEMI’s goal is to develop resources that are relevant and useful. Five innovations guide our technical assistance: evaluating, procuring, selecting, creating, and using accessible digital educational materials. An example of this support is our ADA Title II Roadmap which is designed to provide guidance to educational agencies of all sizes.