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Accessible experiences involve empathizing with diverse users’ needs, not just checking boxes to meet standards.

Rhonda Weiss Center

The Rhonda Weiss Center for Accessible IDEA Data assists states in meeting their data demands. Our technical support promotes dynamic, accessible data formats. This results in improved educational outcomes for the communities we serve.

Please read the caption below.

A woman wearing a white shirt is sitting at a wooden desk, happily using a computer with a special Braille keyboard attached.

Commitment

At the heart of the Weiss Center, our focus is to enhance the lives and experiences of individuals with disabilities. We embrace a set of core principles that guide our work and shape our approach. These principles reflect our commitment to making a meaningful impact and driving positive change in the world.

We reinforce “accessibility from the start.” This enhances the inclusivity and meaningfulness of the services we offer.

We prioritize developing State capacity. This ensures the sustainability of states’ efforts.

We energize the field by improving data processes. Our use of innovative technology makes data available in dynamic, accessible formats.

We strive to increase the effectiveness of service delivery. Summative evaluation and ad hoc input from end users inform our work from start to finish.

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A man with dark hair, a mustache, and a goatee is focused, listening closely to his smartphone using a screen reader to help him understand what's on the screen.

The Need

Data accessibility is often an afterthought. This may be due to data demands on states, competing priorities, or personnel turnover. As a result, individuals with disabilities are without access to the data necessary to make informed decisions.

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A group of four college students is having a friendly chat in a hallway lined with lockers or cabinets, which gives off a real school vibe.

Our Approach

The Weiss Center engages industry leaders and community partners. Our expert staff assess state readiness and conduct usability testing. Together, we identify and address the needs of underrepresented groups to ensure access to data.

Accessibility Settings