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If a student cannot understand the lesson, speak with their teacher, or interact with classmates, they are not receiving an equitable educational experience. That simple truth is at the heart of education language access compliance. In this post, we highlight key takeaways from accessibility consultant Josh Klipp, Founder of Made Welcome, on how ADA Title II and the Civil Rights Act (Title VI) apply to schools, why captions and translation matter, and how technology is making compliance more practical.
In the video, Josh recalls his own childhood in a Texas grade school where many classmates spoke Spanish at home. While most could follow along in English, they had to work much harder than their peers to understand lessons and complete homework. On the soccer field, Josh struggled to be the best teammate he could because he didn’t speak Spanish — a reminder that communication barriers affect both English and non-English speakers.
His father, who was the school principal, introduced Spanish lessons for all grades in the 1980s. That forward-thinking decision fostered connection and community, showing how language access can transform the classroom experience.
Today, the need is even greater. U.S. schools serve millions of students from households where English is not the primary language. Without appropriate language access, these students risk falling behind academically, feeling isolated socially, and being excluded from key opportunities. According to Josh, research shows that when schools provide translation and interpretation, student engagement and achievement improve, while family involvement increases.
Language access is therefore not only a matter of compliance under Title VI, but also a cornerstone of equity in education. Schools that invest in captions, translation, and multilingual communication help ensure every student can learn, participate, and thrive.
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ADA Title II applies to state and local governments, including public K-12 schools and universities. These institutions must provide effective communication and meet WCAG 2.1 AA captioning standards.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on national origin. For schools, this means providing meaningful access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) students and families, typically through translation layered on top of captions. For districts, complying here is part of fulfilling broader education language access compliance obligations.
ADA Title III applies to private entities like retailers, which Josh notes as part of his broader consulting work, though not central to education.
Effective communication depends on the person and their needs. In education, that can mean a student who is deaf or hard of hearing, a student with a processing disorder, or even a parent who needs language access during a school meeting. To ensure consistency, schools can use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA as a benchmark for captioning quality.
The standards include:
These criteria were originally developed for digital content but are now widely recognized as the baseline for live and video captions in classrooms, assemblies, and online learning.
For educators, meeting these standards goes beyond compliance — it supports better learning outcomes. Accurate, well-timed captions help all students follow lessons, retain information, and review material after class. Transcripts extend these benefits by serving as study aids and documentation for accommodations.
By aligning with WCAG 2.1 AA, schools demonstrate both legal compliance and a commitment to inclusive education.
For years, AI captions were seen as unreliable — laggy, glitchy, and often inaccurate. That changed dramatically during the pandemic, as schools shifted to online and hybrid learning. The surge in demand pushed rapid innovation, making AI captioning a realistic tool for daily use in classrooms, assemblies, and virtual events.
Josh’s first experience with Wordly was a turning point. Unlike other translation and captioning tools, Wordly impressed him with its accuracy, real-time synchronization, and ability to handle heavy accents. He noted that while captions at that event were available only in a phone app, Wordly also supports projection — a crucial feature for schools where students should be able to view captions on the same screen as the lesson, slides, or teacher.
For educators, improved AI captioning has major implications. It allows schools to:
By choosing AI solutions that align with ADA Title II and Title VI requirements, schools can make compliance practical while improving daily learning for all students.
Captions help ensure real-time accessibility for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, and transcripts extend the benefit far beyond compliance. AI transcription can create a written record of lessons that can be used for:
Even students without hearing challenges use transcripts to reinforce learning, clarify complex topics, and improve retention. Research shows that captions and transcripts can improve comprehension and recall for all learners, not just those who rely on them for accessibility.
Title VI adds another dimension: school translation. Schools must provide meaningful access for LEP students and their families. Translation services layered on top of captions ensure multilingual learners can fully engage with classroom instruction, parent meetings, and community events.
Captions, transcripts, and translation each play a role in making schools more inclusive. Together, they form the foundation of education language access compliance, ensuring that schools meet ADA and Title VI obligations while also building stronger connections with families.
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Noncompliance with ADA Title II and Title VI is not just a technical oversight — it can have serious consequences for schools.
Both outcomes are expensive and distracting from a school’s mission. But the larger risk is educational. Students who cannot fully access instruction or school communications are left behind academically and socially.
Ultimately, captions, transcripts, and live translation are not just compliance tools — they are educational essentials that help every student thrive.
Josh’s story illustrates how small steps – like offering Spanish lessons in his school – can transform learning environments. Today, districts that commit to education language access compliance see benefits that extend beyond compliance: academic improvement, stronger peer relationships, and greater family engagement.
The benefits extend far beyond legal compliance:
In this way, language access becomes both a compliance strategy and a community-building practice. It equips schools to deliver on their core mission: helping every student learn, connect, and thrive.
Do public schools have to provide captions?
Yes. Under ADA Title II, public K-12 schools and universities must provide captions that meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards to ensure accessibility for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
What does Title VI require from schools?
Title VI requires meaningful access for Limited English Proficient students and families. In practice, this means providing translation services alongside captions in classrooms, parent meetings, and events.
Are AI captions accurate enough for education?
AI captioning has improved significantly in recent years. Solutions like Wordly now offer real-time synchronization, high accuracy, and support for heavy accents, making them a viable option for schools.
How do transcripts support learning?
Transcripts provide review material, support students with learning differences, and help anyone who missed class or needs additional study support. They are valuable beyond compliance.
What risks do schools face if they don’t comply?
Schools risk lawsuits, class actions, and reputational harm from negative publicity. Compliance reduces these risks and demonstrates a commitment to equity and inclusion.
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ADA Title II, Title VI, and WCAG 2.1 make it clear: schools must provide captions, transcripts, and translation to ensure every student has equal access. Approaching these steps through the lens of education language access compliance makes it easier to balance legal requirements with real-world classroom needs.
Here are five practical steps your school can take today:
Wordly can make these steps easier. With real-time captions, translation in dozens of languages, and transcript support, schools can meet many compliance requirements while creating more inclusive learning environments.
To learn more about Wordly solutions for schools, visit education translation.
To learn about other language access requirements, visit language access compliance.
Schedule a personalized demo to learn how Wordly can help support your school.
Disclaimer: Content provided is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult your legal team for specific compliance requirements for your organization.
