Digital Accessibility
WHAT IS DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY?
By law, all DOE websites must be accessible. This applies to the content on the page, as well as all documents, images, and videos posted on it.
However, we firmly believe that the work does not stop at websites! We should be making all digital content (documents, slide decks, videos, etc) accessible to everyone. Doing so is an important part of our commitment to diversity in our schools.
Accessible content is formatted for people with disabilities and is easy for people with disabilities and speakers of other languages to use. Did you know that:
About 25 percent of New York students identify as having a disability?
Nearly 50 percent of New York City households speak a language other than English?
These groups of people may rely on an assistive tool (like a screen reader or browser-based translation) that requires digitally accessible content to work properly.
By creating accessible content, we help create the inclusive community that is integral to a successful school system. We also disseminate information in a more accessible and equitable way.
Training Opportunities
The Office of Digital Literacy & Inclusion (DigIn) offers many FREE pre-recorded accessibility workshops available via our on-demand partners at Otis/TEQ by following these directions.
Once you have taken an hour’s worth of courses, you get to schedule a consultation with a member of the DigIn team. During the consultation, a team member will review your website and/or address questions you may have from the on-demand classes.
Digital Literacy & Inclusion Specialist
Laura Ogando: Advocates for using technology to bring equity and access to all learners.
Laura Ogando began her career in the NYC DOE as an elementary special educator in a 12:1:1 classroom for 5 years and spent another year in a 1st grade ICT classroom. It was in these special education settings that she became an advocate for using technology to bring equity and access to all learners. She worked in her school’s media center as a digital literacy specialist for the following 4 years, where she designed and developed her own curriculum that brought together digital literacy, computer science, and project-based learning.
Laura currently serves as the Program Manager for the Office of Digital Literacy & Inclusion with the Division of Instructional & Information Technology (DIIT). She has been training teachers, in the DOE and around the country, in accessibility, Google tools for education, and digital literacy and citizenship. Laura holds various ed tech certifications–Google Level 1 and 2 Educator, Google Innovator, BrainPOP Educator, Common Sense Media Ambassador, and Apple Teacher. She has presented at local conferences with the DOE, at ISTE, and with various international organizations. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social and Cultural Analysis from New York University and a Master of Arts degree in General Education and Special Education, also from New York University.
For more information you can visit Laura’s LinkedIn profile or
Tweet her at @LauraOgando7
