Title II ADA Guidelines in Online Education: Best Practices and Strategies

With the recent Department of Justice requirements, and the new presidential administration, higher ed leaders must take a closer look at the design and delivery of online education.  Participants will explore key leadership topics, such as how to support the implementation of inclusive instructional practices and how to leverage technology to meet diverse student needs.

Link to Presentation

Inclusive Online Education Policy Audit & Action Plan

Objective:

Conduct a rapid audit of your institution’s online education policies and develop an action plan to align with recent Department of Justice requirements and inclusive instructional best practices.

Activity Overview:

You will evaluate your institution’s current policies and practices through a structured audit tool, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement in online learning inclusivity, accessibility, and technology integration. You will then develop an action plan to enhance compliance and student success.

Instructions for Participants:

Step 1: Institutional Policy Self-Assessment (15 minutes)

Complete a quick audit checklist that evaluates your institution’s current policies and practices across key areas, including:

Digital Accessibility – Are online courses, materials, and platforms accessible per WCAG 2.1 and DOJ requirements?

Faculty Support & Training – Are faculty provided with professional development on inclusive instructional design and UDL?

Student Support & Equity – Are there clear policies ensuring equitable access to technology, digital resources, and learning accommodations?

Technology & Innovation – Does the institution leverage AI tools, adaptive learning platforms, and inclusive tech solutions effectively?

• Use the Institutional Digital Accessibility & Inclusion Audit Checklist to help you answer the questions in step 1.

Step 2: Identifying Gaps & Challenges (15 minutes)

Reflect on your audit findings and identify the top three areas where their institution needs improvement. Briefly discuss in small groups, sharing key gaps and barriers.

Guiding prompts:

• Which areas of your institution’s online education policies are the strongest?
• Where are the biggest gaps or challenges?
• What external or internal barriers might prevent progress?

Step 3: Action Planning (15 minutes)

Outline a three-step action plan to address at least one key gap at your institution. The plan will include:

1. Short-term Action (Next 3 months) – A quick win that can be implemented immediately (e.g., creating a faculty training session on accessibility).
2. Mid-term Strategy (Next 6-12 months) – A structural or policy change to improve inclusivity and compliance (e.g., updating online course accessibility policies).
3. Long-term Vision (Next 2-3 years) – A transformative initiative for systemic change (e.g., investing in AI-driven accessibility tools or revising online program requirements).

Step 4: Group Discussion & Peer Feedback (10 minutes)

Pair up or join small groups to:

• Share top priority areas and planned actions.
• Provide peer feedback on the feasibility and impact of their plans.
• Exchange best practices and institutional strategies.

Step 5: Leadership Commitments & Next Steps (10 minutes)

Write down one leadership commitment they will take back to their institution. Consider collaborations, advocacy efforts, or institutional changes you can drive forward.