In today’s world, the phrase “just Google it” applies to just about everything. But what if “just Google it” wasn’t an option? For the over 84 million disabled internet users in the U.S., the digital world can feel like it’s behind a locked door with no key. This is the reality for many disabled students, parents, and community members.
Enter Colorado’s House Bill 21-1110 (HB21-1110), making it clear that this is an issue that schools (and other government entities) need to fix. It’s not just about legality; it’s about inclusion. Let’s explore why accessibility matters for K-12 schools, the requirements HB21-1110 lays out, and, most importantly, how schools can start embracing these standards in ways that benefit everyone.
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What is HB21-1110?
HB21-1110 is Colorado’s digital accessibility wake-up call. The law states that all state entities, including public schools, must ensure digital resources are accessible. This bill clarifies that locking anyone out of an online resource due to inaccessibility is, quite literally, against the law.
If you’re thinking, “Okay, what does ‘accessible’ mean here?” the answer lies in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines set the standards, ensuring that people with disabilities can use and navigate online content. And no, this isn’t just about ensuring students with vision impairments can read the website; it applies to all types of disabilities as defined under the ADA.
HB21-1110 puts schools on the clock to create accessibility plans that meet WCAG standards and make measurable progress. An extended compliance period was granted, with the next deadline now in 2025. While this may sound like a lot, it’s a crucial step forward in providing fair, equal access to every student and family.
Accessibility Requirements for K-12 Schools
HB21-1110 sets out straightforward expectations for Colorado schools. Here’s what schools must do to check those compliance boxes:
1. Develop an Accessibility Plan
Every school needs a game plan to reach accessibility standards. This includes auditing current resources and pinpointing where accessibility is lacking.
2. Meet WCAG Standards
These standards ensure users with various disabilities can navigate and use websites. For K-12 schools, complying with WCAG means everyone, from parents to prospective students, has the same access to essential information. Remember, 14% of American public school students need some type of assistive technology to get through their studies. This law helps make part of that possible.
3. Publish an Accessibility Statement
Transparency is key. Schools need to publicly state their commitment to accessibility, including what’s already been achieved and where more work is planned. “We’re working on it” is okay—just as long as you really are working on it.
Common Accessibility Challenges Schools Face
Accessibility is easier said than done, we all know this. Schools face real challenges like budget limits, outdated systems, and limited expertise on digital accessibility. Tackling these barriers requires careful planning and, sometimes, getting creative.
A big step is for schools to inventory all their digital tools and resources. From websites and apps to internal tools and digital signage, everything should be assessed for accessibility. Many vendors provide Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs) that show how their products meet (or don’t meet) accessibility standards. This is a good place to start, but schools still need to vet each tool for themselves.
Why Accessibility is Good for Schools (Beyond Just Compliance)
Of course, following the law is a powerful motivator, but accessible websites do a lot more than help you avoid fines. Here are some key benefits:
Enhanced Inclusivity and Equal Access
Accessibility isn’t a buzzword—it’s an essential part of making sure that every student, parent, and community member can connect with the school. It ensures no one’s left out of critical information or resources just because a website doesn’t play nice with their assistive technology.
Building Stronger School-Community Connections
When your school’s website is accessible, it communicates that everyone in the community matters. Accessible digital spaces can strengthen the trust and relationships schools have with their students, parents, and even prospective families.
It’s Not Just Important—It’s the Right Thing to Do
Let’s be real: schools are about inclusion. Serving all members of the community, including those with disabilities, should be the standard, not the exception. And if you think this law is just another government mandate, remember that government agencies are often among the last to catch up. This is a chance for schools to set the standard and lead by example. Doing the right thing sometimes means being the first to change, not the last.
SEO Boost for Your School’s Website
An often-overlooked perk of accessibility is improved search engine optimization (hello boost in enrollment marketing). Accessible websites are structured in ways that help search engines understand and index content, meaning your school can rank higher in search results. Accessible websites tend to perform better in search engine rankings, helping schools reach a wider audience. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Steps Schools Can Take Now to Embrace Accessibility
The road to accessibility may seem daunting, but small steps add up. Here’s where schools can start:
1. Conduct a Digital Accessibility Audit
Review your website, applications, and other digital tools. This audit will reveal where things fall short of WCAG standards and help prioritize fixes.
2. Create or Update Your Accessibility Plan
Have a plan that outlines specific actions and timelines for addressing accessibility gaps. This shows your commitment to making continuous progress, which is essential under HB21-1110.
3. Prioritize the High-Impact Fixes
Focus on addressing the biggest barriers first. For example, improving navigation for screen readers or adding alt text for images can make a big difference quickly. If your website happens to be one of the high-impact fixes on your list, HIVE Strategy has a ton of experience building and rebuilding websites to be compliant.
Embracing Accessibility for a Better Future in Education
HB21-1110 and its requirements may feel like an extra task on the to-do list, but accessibility is so much more than a legal checkbox. It’s a way for K-12 schools to lead in creating inclusive digital spaces, ensuring every student, parent, and prospective student has equal access to resources.
With some proactive steps, schools can make the most of this legislation, improve their digital presence, and set a standard for accessibility in education. In the end, embracing accessibility isn’t just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about building a better, more inclusive future for all.
