Mississippi school districts must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its Title II requirements for public entities, ensuring accessibility in their programs, services, and digital content for students, staff, and the public. This includes making buildings physically accessible, providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, and ensuring websites conform to standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Districts are responsible for creating procedures to handle complaints and have a designated point person for accessibility concerns. Key Aspects of ADA Compliance for Mississippi Schools

• Physical Accessibility: School facilities must be accessible to people with disabilities, requiring structural changes to be made expeditiously.
• Program Accessibility: Students and the public with disabilities should be able to access the same programs, services, and benefits as others, with substantially equivalent ease of use.
• Website Accessibility: School websites, digital content, and third-party web content must conform to accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.0 Level AA or updated equivalents.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Districts must provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to participate fully in educational programs and services.
• Complaint Procedures: Each school district must establish a process for individuals with disabilities to submit complaints or grievances regarding ADA compliance and have a designated contact person for accessibility concerns.
• Digital Inclusion: Districts are responsible for ensuring that electronic information and technology, including web content and interactive platforms, are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

How to Ensure Compliance

1. Establish Policy: Create and implement a formal ADA policy outlining the district's commitment to accessibility and outlining procedures for making websites and other digital content accessible.
2. Provide Training: Train staff on their responsibilities regarding ADA compliance, including how to implement accessibility features and handle complaints.
3. Conduct Audits: Regularly audit facilities and digital platforms to identify and address any barriers or non-compliant areas.
4. Appoint a Coordinator: Designate a website or ADA compliance coordinator to oversee efforts and serve as a point of contact for accessibility questions and complaints.
5. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest ADA guidelines and web accessibility standards (WCAG) to ensure ongoing compliance.

Where to Find More Information

• School District ADA Policies: Check the websites of individual Mississippi school districts, as many provide their specific ADA policies.
• Mississippi Department of Education (MDE): The MDE offers resources and guidance related to special education services and 504 plans, which are closely related to disability rights.