Digital accessibility in education is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. With more than 61 million adults in the U.S. living with a disability and 19% of undergraduate students reporting disabilities, ensuring equitable access to education is critical.

For K-12 schools and higher education institutions, achieving ADA digital accessibility compliance isn’t just about avoiding legal risks—it’s about creating inclusive, engaging learning experiences for all students. However, higher education is saturated with generic accessibility solutions, making it crucial for institutions to choose a partner that offers something beyond mere compliance.

So, how can educational institutions truly differentiate their accessibility initiatives while ensuring ADA compliance and web accessibility? This guide outlines actionable steps and highlights MRCC EdTech’s unique approach to accessibility in higher education and K-12 schools. This guide outlines actionable steps and highlights MRCC EdTech’s unique approach to accessibility in higher education and K-12 schools.

Understanding the ADA Digital Accessibility Landscape

Despite legal mandates:

• 96% of higher education websites are non-compliant with the ADA
• Only 3.3% of the internet (including websites, apps, and other digital tools) is fully accessible to people with disabilities.
• 71% of web users with a disability will simply leave a non-accessible website.
• 51% of educational institutions cite a lack of budget and/or resources as the primary challenge in investing more in accessibility, while 38% point to a lack of knowledge or awareness.

This data highlights a gap between compliance and real inclusivity, and this is where MRCC EdTech differentiates itself.

How Can Educational Institutions Prepare?

1. Conduct Proactive, AI-Powered Accessibility Audits

Most institutions only react to accessibility issues when non-compliance lawsuits arise. According to a 2024 report, 2,400 lawsuits were filed in federal courts and 1,600 in state courts. However, regular proactive audits help organizations comply with legal requirements, reducing the risk of lawsuits and fines associated with non-compliance.

MRCC EdTech’s solution: Unlike traditional manual audits, MRCC leverages AI-powered automation to:

• Scan digital platforms (LMS, websites, eBooks, assessments) for accessibility gaps.
• Provide real-time, auto-generated remediation suggestions.
• Enable ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance is maintained.

2. Implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in education. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework ensures that digital materials accommodate diverse learning needs. UDL focuses on providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action & expression. These principles are designed to address learner variability and create more inclusive learning environments. By offering diverse options for engagement, UDL aims to increase student motivation and interest in learning. This directly contributes to higher levels of engagement. When students are engaged, they’re more likely to stay motivated and persist in their studies, which leads to improved retention.

MRCC EdTech’s solution: We don’t just fix accessibility issues—we design content from the start with accessibility in mind.

• Adaptive Learning Experiences – Personalized, AI-powered content that adjusts based on student needs.
• Immersive Learning Solutions – Integration of AR/VR to create inclusive, multisensory, enhanced accessibility in higher education and schools.
• Gamification for Accessibility – Interactive, accessible gamified content to enhance engagement.

3. Leverage AI to Automate Captioning, Transcription, and Alt Text

About children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss. And according to the 2022 American Community Survey (ACS), there were an estimated 600,000 children with vision difficulty in the U.S. This estimate includes approximately 290,000 males and 310,000 females with vision difficulty under the age of 18 in the U.S.

Hence, accessible multimedia is essential because it ensures students with hearing or vision impairments can fully engage with educational content. Captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions help overcome learning barriers, improving comprehension and retention. Additionally, accessible content ensures legal compliance (ADA, Section 508) while benefiting all learners including those with different learning styles. Yet there is significant video content in education that lacks captions.

MRCC EdTech’s Differentiator:

• AI-driven captioning & alt-text generation – Automating accessibility for massive content libraries.
• Multilingual Localization – Automatic translation of content into over 100 languages to improve web accessibility in education.
• ePub Automation – Ensuring ADA-compliant, screen-reader-friendly eBooks.

4. Ensure LMS & Third-Party EdTech Solutions Are Compliant

Many institutions assume their Learning Management Systems (LMS) are accessible. However, studies show that many LMS platforms contain significant accessibility barriers, making it challenging to create accessible digital learning environments.

MRCC EdTech’s Differentiator:

• LMS Accessibility Enhancement – We offer , our AI-powered Moodle for seamless ADA digital accessibility for schools and universities.
• Custom API Integrations – Ensuring third-party EdTech tools meet accessibility standards.
• Assistive Technology Compatibility – Optimized for screen readers, speech-to-text tools, and adaptive keyboards.

MRCC EdTech: Future-Proofing Accessibility in Education

ADA digital accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating truly inclusive, high-quality learning experiences for all. Schools and universities must invest in innovative, AI-powered, scalable solutions to future-proof their digital accessibility strategies.

Partner with MRCC EdTech to transform your institution’s accessibility approach. Book a free consultation today and start your journey toward digital inclusivity.