WebAIM's Response to the National Education Technology Plan and Call for Action

January 7, 2005

Today, the U.S. Department of Education released its National Education Technology Plan 2004 - external link, "Toward a New Golden Age in American Education: How the Internet, the law and today's students are revolutionizing expectations". This is the third such plan and was developed over the past several years with input from thousands of educators, students, administrators, and those in educational organizations, as well as the technology industry. It acknowledges the importance of technology in academic achievement as well as the role of technology in the 21 st century. The blueprint frames the direction for educational technology in American schools for years to come. The plan released today is impressive in scope, visionary in action, and notable in detail. As these plans become reality, the academic outcomes of students without disabilities will benefit greatly. Moreover, we can anticipate that both our society and economy will benefit in obvious ways.

WebAIM applauds the plan with the exception of one prominent omission. The plan does not mention the critical need for accessible technology for millions of students with disabilities. Because this need is not identified, nor addressed, there are no apparent plans to remedy this ever-increasing digital divide. Perhaps there was a lack of input from the disability, or technology access, community. It appears that these stakeholders were not included in the work of the committee.

Technology holds the promise for individuals with disabilities. However, even with assistive technologies, many students are barred from participation in Internet- and electronic-based curricula. This is because of the ways in which the technologies are designed. A plan that includes recommendations for universally-designed technologies removes the need for expensive, and often ineffective, accommodations after the fact. Furthermore, accessible technologies benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities.

The principles contained in No Child Left Behind would embrace the practice of full accessibility to Internet-based curricula, digital texts, and electronic assessments. Without planning, however, this reality will remain a dream for millions. Currently, federal agencies are mandated to create electronic information that can be accessed by all. It seems appropriate then that our nation's education technology plan should do no less.

Research indicates that technology can improve educational outcomes for all students, both with and without disabilities. Moreover, education and technology proficiency are related to employment success. The 2000 U.S. Census data reports rates of unemployment and underemployment that are unacceptably high. The President's New Freedom Initiative reported unemployment rates as high as 70% for those with severe disabilities. It is vital that our education systems prepare citizens who can maximize their independence, can fully participate in our increasingly technologic society, and can secure meaningful employment. This will happen only if technology is accessible to all students during their educational journey.

WebAIM invites the U.S. Department of Education to respond to this apparent omission within the National Education Technology Plan. We would also ask other groups interested in technology access to contact the U.S. Department of Education to express concerns that they have on this important issue.

If you have comments or questions, please contact Cyndi Rowland at 435-797-3381.