Unlocking Inclusive Education: Lessons from Educators and Learners with Disabilities for Edtech Companies and School Leaders

Editor's note: This is a cross-post with the US Department of Education Office of Educational Technology

Accessibility: A person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability, in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use. (Source: Joint Letter US Department of Justice and US Department of Education, June 29, 2010 & CAST)

Accessibility directly impacts learners and educators every day, but too often they are not included in discussions where educational leaders and developers are making decisions about the development, procurement, implementation, and evaluation of educational materials

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET) hosted a series of conversations with educators and learners with disabilities, including one-on-one and small group listening sessions, as well as group design sessions at an accessible edtech event in partnership with New America.

The listening sessions and accessible edtech event provided valuable insights into how decision makers at schools, districts, and edtech companies can better understand, incorporate, and prioritize accessibility. We have curated lessons learned into two brief one-pagers. These resources aim to facilitate a deeper understanding of the needs and perspectives of learners with disabilities, as well as the educators who support them.

1. Key Considerations for Educational Leaders: What Learners with Disabilities & Educators Want You to Know: This one-pager compiles the perspectives and recommendations of learners with disabilities and educators, shedding light on their unique insights and challenges. By understanding these viewpoints, educational leaders can foster an inclusive culture that supports educators and learners.
2. Valuable Perspectives for EdTech Companies: What Learners with Disabilities & Educators Want You to Know: This resource provides an overview of what learners with disabilities and educators expect from the technology they use. By understanding these needs, edtech companies can develop products and solutions that truly empower and enable learners with disabilities.

Together, we can create an inclusive educational environment that ensures equal access to information, interactions, and services for all individuals.

Looking to learn more about accessible edtech?

• Office of EdTech resources
• New America resources