Equitable Access to Education

FCPS is committed to providing an excellent education that meets the needs of all students, keeping equity at the center of all we do to ensure their academic and social emotional success. Part of that commitment means delivering accessible educational resources to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. 

Providing accessible resources aligns to the pillars and goals of the FCPS Strategic Plan 2023-30 and ensures that all students have equitable, ‘barrier-free’ opportunities to engage in high quality learning experiences that support academic, social, and emotional growth.

Accessibility is everyone's responsibility. FCPS staff collaborate to provide accessible websites, accessibility resources, professional development, and guidance across the division.

Accessibility Principles (P.O.U.R.)

There are four principles of accessibility that help us consider how to ensure websites and classroom materials are accessible to all learners. They are commonly referred to by the acronym P.O.U.R.

• Perceivable content makes it possible for all learners to see and hear information. Examples include, but are not limited to, captions, alt text, high contrast, etc.
• Operable content means that all learners can navigate information and complete school work using their preferred tools. These tools include a mouse, keyboard, trackpad, joystick, switches, eye gaze, etc.
• Understandable content means that all learners are able to understand it. Language, reading level, clarity, simplicity, and other factors impact understanding.
• Robust content is programmed such that it is compatible with assistive technology and can be used consistently across applications, web pages, and platforms. 

Considering  P.O.U.R. when developing resources will help ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, all learners' needs are met. It should be applied when creating, choosing, and curating accessible educational materials.