Learning enabled with WCAG
For the 7.3 million students with a disability or developmental delay, digital learning can be tough. Learn how WCAG compliance makes learning easier, clearer, and more accessible for all.
For the 7.3 million students with a disability or developmental delay, digital learning can be tough. Learn how WCAG compliance makes learning easier, clearer, and more accessible for all.
What is WCAG and what does it mean for your students?
If students with disabilities can’t access the materials used in class, they’re missing out on a significant portion of their instruction. Here’s what to look out for to ensure all students can access your materials.
Perceivable
Students can access information with alternative text added to every image and updated colors to meet color contrast standards.
Operable
Digital tools are operable from a keyboard, ensuring every student can navigate the information on the site.
Understandable
Students can understand the information on the site with consistent elements and simple language.
Robust
Students are able to use assistive technology to access content with screen reader-friendly labels.
Laws require WCAG compliance
Any program or agency that receives funds from U.S. DOE must provide accessible digital resources. Some states have specific laws requiring WCAG compliance in schools.
New Jersey A4856
Any Internet website or web service of a school district, charter school, renaissance school, or the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf shall comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Illinois HB0026
Ensures that content available on a website or web service of a school district is readily accessible to persons with disabilities & complies with Level AA of the WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Maryland SB0617
Requires school systems to provide equivalent access to digital tools for students with disabilities and establish a process to evaluate a digital tool prior to purchase.
Need more information on WCAG?
Learn moreCreate more accessible classrooms
Check out these free Newsela resources to help ensure your digital learning tools are accessible for all students.
Making your classroom WCAG compliant
Download guideEnsuring equity and accessibility for all students with WCAG-compliant Newsela
Watch on-demandStart your journey to WCAG 2.1 compliance
Take action to ensure you provide instructional materials that can be accessed by all of your learners
Foster an organizational culture that embraces accessibility.
Ask vendors the right questions to confirm they meet your accessibility goals and compliance needs.
Evaluate your instructional materials using the POUR principles.
Resources
Raise the bar for access and equity
Newsela is proud to deliver instructional materials that seek to benefit every student, specifically those with disabilities. Our conformance to WCAG 2.1 AA standards reflects our efforts to provide content that is accessible to all learners.