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Accessibility Responsibilities and Oversight

Accessible digital information helps Board Members, employees, students, families, and community members participate in district programs and public meetings.

Board Members do not need to become technical accessibility specialists or personally certify district compliance. They should understand the district's responsibilities, support an effective accessibility program, and report barriers involving Board materials.

Current federal reference

The U.S. Department of Justice's Title II rule establishes WCAG 2.1 Level A and Level AA as the technical standard for covered state and local government web content and mobile apps, including public school district services.

Current compliance dates are April 26, 2027 or April 26, 2028, depending on the population measure specified by the rule. The rule does not use student enrollment to determine a school district's date.

Download: ADA Title II Digital Accessibility - What School Districts Need to Know

General information

The information sheet and this guide provide general information, not legal advice. District counsel should review legal conclusions, policies, contracts, exceptions, and formal compliance determinations.

Board Member responsibilities

Board Members should:

  • use the accessible on-page content provided with an agenda when practical;
  • report inaccessible agendas, attachments, links, forms, or other district content;
  • request an accessible alternative when needed;
  • avoid converting accessible Board material into a less accessible format before sharing it;
  • protect private Board materials while reporting an accessibility concern;
  • support appropriate district policies, training, procurement practices, and remediation resources; and
  • direct operational questions to the District Administrator or other designated district contact.

Oversight questions to ask

Board Members may reasonably ask district leadership:

  1. Who coordinates the district's digital accessibility program?
  2. How does the district inventory and prioritize current websites, documents, forms, portals, mobile apps, and vendor services?
  3. How are staff who publish digital content trained?
  4. How is accessibility considered during purchasing and contract renewal?
  5. How can a member of the public report a barrier or request an accessible alternative?
  6. How does the district document testing, remediation, and continuing review?
  7. Which decisions require review by district counsel or a qualified accessibility professional?

When Board material presents a barrier

  1. Record the meeting title, date, agenda section, and affected item.
  2. Copy the page address when possible.
  3. Describe the problem and the device or assistive technology involved.
  4. Contact the Board administrator, clerk, District Administrator, or the contact listed in the district's Accessibility Statement.
  5. Request an accessible alternative when the material is needed before the original can be corrected.

Do not include confidential Board content in an ordinary support email. Identify the item without forwarding or attaching private material unless the district's approved support process permits it.