Digital Accessibility Resources

Kent ISD is required to comply with expanded federal regulations under ADA Title II. These updates explicitly apply accessibility standards to digital and electronic content. All state and local government entities must meet the WCAG 2.1 AA technical standard.

Kent ISD’s compliance deadline is April 24, 2026 because we serve a population of over 50,000. Many of our districts serve smaller populations, so their deadline isn't until April 24, 2027.

Since the guidelines apply to all state and local government entities, including Kent ISD, every staff member who creates electronic content is responsible for upholding these standards. In addition, any third-party digital platforms, tools or software also need to be accessible if students, families or staff are required to use those tools. Kent ISD has been reaching out to many of our vendors to receive their Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACR), so if you have a question, contact Bob Brenzing in the Communications Department.

Nearly all digital content must meet accessibility standards, including:

• Websites
• Emails and newsletters
• Social media content
• Videos, audio, and images
• Documents and forms (Word, Google Docs, PDFs)
• Learning Management Systems (LMS)
• Instructional materials shared electronically
• Third-party platforms, tools, and apps

Accessibility applies to both internal and public-facing content. There are limited exceptions. Examples include: 

• One-to-one private communications
• Supplemental materials or resources that students or parents are not required to access
• Materials used within a team or workgroup when there is a clear understanding that accessibility features are not needed

When in doubt, content should be made accessible to ensure equal access for all users.

Hopefully this won't cause too much disruption or create barriers as you create instructional materials. Most of the tools needed to make materials accessible are included in the platforms you already use. It is just a matter of using those tools fully to: 

• Use accessible document formatting
• Add alternative text to images
• Ensure readable fonts and adequate color contrast
• Use properly structured headings
• Provide accessible PDFs and multimedia content

Once you make your content accessible or create a new accessible template, you'll become more comfortable and more confident in making your content.

In a word, yes, but there are priorities that you can apply:

• Materials already created do not have to be re-created. However, if the materials are edited or revised in any way, then they will need to meet the accessibility requirements.
• Update high-impact or frequently used content first.
• Next focus on content that will be shown to the general public or unknown audiences.

Just keep demonstrating intentional progress towards accessibility for all.

Third-party vendor products are included in accessibility requirements. Vendors are being asked to provide VPATs (Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates) or other documentation demonstrating compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

Kent ISD is documenting vendor outreach and maintaining records as part of compliance efforts. If you have a question whether or not a vendor has submitted a VPAT to Kent ISD, ask Bob Brenzing in the Communications Department.

Yes, training will be embedded throughout the year, including in-person sessions, recorded modules, tip sheets and videos, accessibility checkers and ongoing guidance from the Kent ISD ADA Accessibility Workgroup. 

Technology will continue to evolve and we'll continue to develop resources and tips on the latest innovations and requirements.