The Seattle Public Schools recently settled a lawsuit filed by a parent and the National Federation of the Blind. The issue was accessibility of the district’s website for people with visual impairments. The settlement will require the district to employ an accessibility coordinator, conduct an accessibility audit, develop a remediation plan and add language to RFPs to require vendors to comply with accessibility guidelines. The estimated cost to the district was between $665,400 and $815,400. Yowza!

As websites become increasingly important they will draw more attention in terms of accessibility. Federal guidelines on this subject are in process. Complaints against Texas schools have been made, so this is an issue that is worth the attention of someone in your district.

We’ve had some experience with this at the Walsh Gallegos law firm, so if we can help, just give us a call.

DAWG BONE: THE WEBSITE IS NO GOOD FOR ME IF I CAN’T READ IT.

File this one under: SECTION 504