Digital Accessibility Resources
The Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (Public Act 095-0307) requires that information technology developed, purchased, or provided by the State is accessible to individuals with disabilities, meeting IITAA 2.1 standards. These standards define the functional performance criteria and technical requirements that must be met to ensure that information technology is accessible.
In addition, on April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice’s final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The final rule has specific requirements about how to ensure that web content and mobile applications (apps) are accessible to people with disabilities, with public entities needing to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. WCAG 2.1 covers a wide range of recommendations for making web content more accessible, and spell out in practical detail how digital content must be made accessible. Any web content that meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance will also comply with IITAA 2.1 standards.
The following resources help all school professionals ensure their materials are compliant in their own work, and across their entire district. If you have any questions, or would like further guidance on your organization's needs, email Mer Fenton, our Communications Coordinator, at mfenton@ncisc.org.
The ruling gives public education organizations with a total population of 50,000 or larger until April 2026 to identify barriers, remediate content, and ensure their digital environments fully comply. Educational organizations with a total population served under 50,000 have an additional year until April 2027.