Summary

Maryland SB 461 (Open States or Maryland Legislature) requires that the development, review, and approval process of certain online courses and services must also include an assessment regarding the accessibility of the course to individuals with disabilities, including the blind.

Legislative Analysis

SB 461 codifies a requirement from 2012 that the development, review, and approval of an online course or service by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) must include an assessment regarding the accessibility of the online course or service to individuals with disabilities, including the blind. MSDE may contract with a third party to develop an accessibility assessment or to conduct an assessment of course accessibility that will determine the approval or denial status of the course, as well as provide feedback to the course provider. The State Board of Education may set reasonable fees for these services, and for processing approvals for online courses and services.

This legislation is important because it reflects the need to ensure that online courses and services are accessible to all learners, inclusive of those with disabilities, in order to provide students with equal learning opportunities. This has become even more imperative as online courses and services have become more complex, and often present obstacles to individuals with disabilities, particularly the blind.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States

Approved by Governor Martin O’Malley on 5/16/2013