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What is web accessibility?

Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can use the World Wide Web, which is accessed by the internet and has become known simply as “the Web.” More specifically, Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web. 

What is accessible technology?

Accessible Technology is also referred to as “Assistive Technology” or “Auxiliary Aids and Services.” It includes software, equipment, and programs that make content available for use by people with disabilities. Some examples are screen readers used by people who are blind or partially-sighted, video captioning for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, or special programming in software that allows for a wide variety of input devices for people with mobility disabilities.

Why is web and technology accessibility important?

As the world relies more and more on technology it is imperative that people with disabilities have access to content and equipment to enable them to fully participate in many fields, including education.

Why does Kent School District provide web and technology accessibility?

It is the right thing to do. Aside from the importance of web and technology accessibility to allow access to people with disabilities, it is the law. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. These laws mandate that people with disabilities are afforded equal access, regardless of their disability, to programs and services that are provided by public entities. This includes public schools. 

What do the laws require?

The laws require that people with disabilities not be discriminated against, communications with people with disabilities are as effective as communications with others and that the District makes reasonable modifications of practices to ensure equal opportunity and access to website content, software, and equipment for people with disabilities. 

Do I have to pay for the accommodations or modifications?

No, these services must be provided free of charge to qualifying individuals with a disability. For the purpose of nondiscrimination generally, a “qualifying individual” means “someone who has, has a record of, or is perceived as having a physical, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” For the specific purposes of receiving effective communication or modification of practices, a person must currently have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

How do I make sure that the District's web and technology are accessible to me as a person with a disability?

Kent School District is in the process of making sure its websites, content pages, and software programs meet accessibility guidelines. If, because of a disability, you are unable to access content or software on the District’s website, please email accessibility@kent.k12.wa.us.

What happens if the website content or District software cannot be modified to ensure equal access?

Kent School District is required to make the same information available to people with disabilities through other means, such as providing hard copies of web content.

Are there any limits on the kinds of modifications or effective communication provided for people with disabilities?

Yes. The District is not required to take actions that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a service, program, or activity or undue financial and administrative burdens. However, those situations are extremely rare and such determinations are made in accordance with the District’s procedures.

If I have concerns or problems, who do I contact?

If, because of a disability, you are unable to access content on the District’s website, have questions about the accessibility of content or technology used by the District, and/or would like to report barriers to accessing any technology used by Kent School District, including this website, please email accessibility@kent.k12.wa.us.