NEW Google Sites & Accessibility

Date of Workshop

November 13th, 3:30-6:00pm

or May 14th, 3:30-6:00pm

Description of Workshop

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW...Do you have a Classic Google Site as your classroom website? Starting later this year, Google will be shutting down classic sites and will be forcing everyone to migrate to NEW Google Sites. Now's your chance to get time and support to create your NEW Google Site. Additionally, there are new U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights Technology Standards which include Website ADA Accessibility compliance laws. In this workshop, you will learn how to migrate to a NEW site (or create a NEW site) and how to check your website for ADA compliance and make the necessary updates.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who will benefit from this workshop?

This will be most beneficial to any faculty or staff who uses Google sites for their classroom or course website (or is interested in creating a classroom or course website). Due to changes in Google sites and new ADA compliance laws, all teachers will need to migrate their sites from Classic to NEW and learn how to make their accessible to all.

What is NEW Google Sites?

Launched in November, 2016, NEW Google Sites uses intuitive technology and integrates with G Suite apps, and has an attractive design. The new Sites includes the ability to track performance with Google Analytics, new themes, and other helpful features. Check out the Help Center and Learning Center to learn more about the new Sites.

Beginning in 2018, there will be a timeline and instructions regarding the gradual process to migrate from the classic Sites. The specific date for the shutdown of the classic Sites has yet to be set, but Google has said they will make an announcement at least one year in advance of that shutdown.

What is Website ADA Accessibility compliance laws?

The US Dept of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Technology Standards:

  • WPS has a legal obligation to ensure that people with disabilities are able to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions and enjoy the same benefits and services within the same timeframe as their non-disabled peers.
  • All NEW content posted to your school’s website should be ADA Compliant starting January 1, 2018, including:
    • Text
    • Images
    • Videos
    • PDFs and documents
    • Charts/Graphs
  • CORRECTIVE ACTION for older content completed within 18 months.