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Edlio Websites and Mobile Apps: Already Meeting New ADA Standards

On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This new rule mandates that all web content and mobile applications for state and local government agencies (including public schools) meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA standards by April 2026.

At Edlio, we are committed to providing accessible and inclusive digital experiences for all. We are pleased to assure our clients that all Edlio websites and mobile apps already meet WCAG 2.1, Level AA standards. Our products are designed with ADA standards in mind, providing equitable access to all users.


Understanding ADA’s "POUR" Principles

Now that you know your Edlio website & app were designed with ADA guidelines in mind, how do you keep all the content you create in line with those guidelines as well? Just follow the ADA’s “POUR” Principles of WCAG! These principles are:
  • Perceivable: Everything on your website must be able to be perceived by site visitors, regardless of how they access that information (with or without assistive technology). For all non-text content, you need to add text alternatives (captions, transcripts). Also, ensure that your content can exist in a different form (eg, in a simpler layout) without losing any information.
  • Operable: This means that a website or app should be usable by all users, regardless of how they access it. This includes ensuring that users can navigate the site easily, and that all user interface components and buttons are operable on any device.
  • Understandable: This means users can understand and comprehend the content of a website, regardless of their cognitive abilities. This includes text, images, videos, tools, and other features. Content should be readable and predictable (9th grade level or below), and users should be able to understand it without undue effort.
  • Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user tools, including assistive built-in technologies on devices. As technologies and user agents evolve, the content should remain accessible.


The End-User's Role in Maintaining ADA Compliance

While Edlio ensures that our platform is ADA compliant, maintaining compliance is also a shared responsibility. As end-users, you play a crucial role in ensuring that the content you add to your websites and mobile apps remains accessible. Here are some key practices to follow:
  • Text Content: Ensure that all text content is clear, simple, and easily understandable. Use headings, lists, and other structural elements to organize content logically.
  • Images: Provide descriptive alternative text (alt text) for all images. This alt text allows users with visual impairments to understand the content conveyed by images. (Consider turning on “Enable ADA Settings” in your Edlio CMS Accessibility settings to ensure all your users are adding alt-text to images.)
  • Videos: Include captions and transcripts for all video content. This makes the information accessible to users with hearing impairments and those who rely on text-to-speech technology. (Videos uploaded into your Edlio Media storage will automatically have transcriptions and captions added.)
  • PDFs and Documents: Before uploading documents (such as PDF’s), ensure they are accessible. This includes using proper tagging for structure, providing alt text for images, and ensuring that text is selectable and searchable.
 
By adhering to these practices, you will contribute significantly to creating an inclusive digital environment for all users. 
 

Commitment to Accessibility

Edlio’s dedication to accessibility goes beyond meeting legal requirements. We believe in the importance of creating an inclusive environment for everyone, including students, parents, and community members with disabilities. Our ongoing commitment ensures that our clients can confidently deliver accessible content, fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational experience. 

For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our support team or see our Accessibility ADA help articles here.