Navigating Accessibility and Humanizing EdTech: Upcoming WCET Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Institutions nationwide are preparing for the implementation of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) new digital accessibility regulations. It’s important and challenging to ensure compliance while still balancing an engaging learning environment.

At WCET, we understand the challenges of balancing federal guidelines, institutional priorities, and student needs. That’s why we’re excited to offer three timely events to help higher education leaders navigate these evolving requirements and explore strategies to humanize educational technology.

Oh – and WCET just released a new Member-only resource: the WCET Fact Sheet on New Accessibility Requirements for Web Content and Mobile Applications for Public Entities. This quick-reference guide provides an overview of the new regulations, highlighting key changes, compliance deadlines, impact, enforcement, and additional resources.

📅 Navigating DOJ Accessibility Rules: Practical Approaches for Higher Education | January 30, 2025 | WCET Webcast

Understanding the rules is just the first step—putting them into practice is where institutions often face challenges. This session will dive into real-world applications, offering insights from institutions that have successfully implemented accessibility measures.

Speakers will share case studies, discuss common pitfalls, and provide strategies to ensure that your digital learning environments meet compliance standards while enhancing student access and success.

📅 Preparing and Planning for the DOJ’s Guidelines for Accessibility | January 31, 2025 (waitlist available) |+ February 7, 2025 | Member-only Closer Conversation

With the DOJ’s impending accessibility updates set to reshape how institutions approach digital content and services, proactive planning is key. In this Closer Conversation, accessibility and legal experts will break down the guidelines, discuss anticipated impacts on higher education, and offer clarity and guidance for moving forward. Members will have a chance to ask questions and share their experiences.

📅 Elements of Humanizing EdTech in Higher Education | February 27, 2025 | WCET Virtual Summit

While accessibility compliance is critical, ensuring that educational technology fosters meaningful connections and student engagement is equally important. This year’s WCET Summit sessions will explore how institutions can integrate human-centered design into their technology strategies, making online and digital learning experiences more personal, inclusive, and effective. Experts will share best practices for leveraging EdTech tools in ways that prioritize student well-being, community building, and inclusive learning.

Why These Conversations Matter

WCET hosts a variety of events throughout the year – but as institutions strive to meet upcoming regulatory requirements, the three events listed above are increasingly important. Our goal with all WCET events is to provide essential guidance and a safe space for collaborative learning. Whether you’re a campus leader, instructional designer, faculty member, or accessibility advocate, these sessions will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate accessibility challenges and create more engaging, student-centered digital learning environments.

We encourage you to join the conversation and bring your questions, experiences, and insights. It’s time to make sure your institution stays ahead of the curve on accessibility in digital learning and the best ways to balance that with human-centered teaching and learning. Learn more and register today for these great events on WCET’s Events Page.

Make sure to tune into WCET for more on these topics, including an upcoming accessibility theme of the month and related events like a webcast co-presented with Every Learner Everywhere and Teach Access!

This post was written by Lindsey Downs with brainstorming and outline assistance from ChatGPT