The Educational Accessibility Act (EAA) is a foundational U.S. law requiring educational institutions and related technology providers to ensure digital content, websites, and electronic materials are fully accessible to students with disabilities. Rooted in principles of equity and inclusion, EAA mandates that learning environments—whether physical or digital—must remove barriers that prevent equal participation.
As online education expands, EAA compliance has become critical for schools, universities, and edtech vendors to maintain federal funding, avoid lawsuits, and uphold their educational mission.
Purpose of the EAA
The EAA exists to:
- Guarantee equal access to learning materials for all students, regardless of ability.
- Ensure alignment with federal accessibility standards like WCAG and Section 504.
- Promote inclusive education across K-12, higher education, and online platforms.
Accessible digital content benefits not only students with disabilities but also faculty, staff, parents, and all users navigating mobile devices or slow connections.
Explore EAA in higher education contexts.
Who Must Comply With EAA?
EAA compliance is mandatory for:
- Public and private schools receiving federal funding
- Colleges and universities (public and private)
- Online course providers and e-learning platforms
- Educational software vendors (LMS, assessment tools, etc.)
- Institutions integrating third-party tech into classrooms
Non-compliance can result in federal funding suspension, legal action from students or advocacy groups, and lasting reputational harm.
EAA and Accessibility Standards
EAA compliance aligns with WCAG 2.1 Level AA and other federal guidelines, requiring that:
- Digital textbooks, syllabi, and PDFs are properly tagged and navigable
- Videos include accurate captions and transcripts
- Websites support keyboard navigation and screen readers
- Online platforms are robust across assistive technologies
Common EAA Compliance Challenges
Educational institutions frequently face these accessibility gaps:
- Inaccessible LMS platforms (Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle)
- Uncaptioned video lectures or webinars
- Scanned PDFs without selectable text or structure
- Interactive quizzes incompatible with screen readers
- Third-party edtech tools lacking accessibility features
These issues often trigger lawsuits or federal investigations from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
EAA and Federal Funding
Most U.S. schools and universities rely on federal grants that require strict EAA adherence. Non-compliance may lead to:
- Immediate suspension or withdrawal of funding
- Mandatory, costly remediation of digital assets
- Ongoing compliance monitoring by federal agencies
Review federal enforcement trends in education.
EAA vs. ADA vs. Section 508
| Law | Scope | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| EAA | Educational digital content | Schools, universities, edtech vendors with federal ties |
| ADA | Public accommodations | All businesses with public-facing websites/services |
| Section 508 | Federal procurement | Federal agencies and their contractors |
EAA in Online Learning
With the surge in e-learning, EAA now covers:
- Recorded and live virtual classrooms
- Interactive course modules and simulations
- Digital assessments and grading systems
- Student portals and enrollment systems
Institutions must ensure every digital touchpoint meets accessibility standards—or face compliance penalties.
Risks of Non-Compliance With EAA
Consequences include:
- Legal action from students or disability advocacy groups
- Loss of federal funding or grant eligibility
- Reputational damage undermining institutional trust
- Operational disruption from mandated remediation orders
- Exclusion of students with disabilities from core educational experiences
See real-world EAA-related lawsuits.
Benefits of EAA Compliance
Compliant institutions gain:
- Inclusive learning environments that support diverse student needs
- Improved student satisfaction and retention
- Smoother federal reporting and audit readiness
- Enhanced brand reputation as a leader in equity and access
- Better SEO and usability for all users
Step-by-Step EAA Compliance Strategy
- Audit digital assets: Evaluate websites, LMS, course materials, and third-party tools.
- Align with WCAG 2.1 AA: Remediate content to meet technical accessibility standards.
- Fix core content: Tag PDFs, caption videos, ensure keyboard navigation.
- Train faculty and staff: Build accessibility awareness across departments.
- Monitor vendors: Require accessibility compliance from all edtech partners.
- Document efforts: Maintain an Accessibility Statement and remediation roadmap.
Get expert EAA compliance support.
Frequently Asked Questions About EAA
Q: What is the Educational Accessibility Act (EAA)?
It is a U.S. law requiring schools and educational vendors to provide accessible digital content to students with disabilities.
Q: Who must follow EAA?
Public/private schools, universities, online course providers, and any edtech vendors receiving federal funding.
Q: How does EAA differ from ADA or Section 508?
EAA focuses on education; ADA applies to all public accommodations; Section 508 applies to federal agencies and contractors.
Q: What happens if a school is not EAA-compliant?
The school risks funding loss, legal action, and exclusion of students with disabilities.
Explore EAA-related legal precedents.
Ensure Every Student Has Equal Access
EAA compliance isn’t just a legal box to check—it’s a commitment to educational equity. By making digital learning truly accessible, institutions protect themselves from risk while empowering every learner to succeed.
Start your EAA compliance journey today—with expert support.
EAA compliance solutions | Education-specific guidance | Real-world case studies