Making IDEA data more accessible
Introducing ADAPT
Accessible Data Analysis and Publishing Tool
The Weiss Center developed the Accessible Data Analysis and Publishing Tool (ADAPT) to make IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) data easier to access and understand. States can use this web-based tool to publish IDEA data reports in an accessible format. ADAPT ensures that IDEA data is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
A computer screen shows the ADAPT product with data on students with disabilities, categorized by type and race/ethnicity. On the left, the 'Explain' toggle offers plain-language data explanations, while the 'Glossary' toggle, in focus, provides definitions for each disability type, accompanied by corresponding horizontal bar charts.
Beyond Compliance
Accessibility in ADAPT goes beyond Section 508 compliance. The Weiss Center designed ADAPT to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 from the start. During development, the Weiss Center conducted usability studies with state and local education agency staff, researchers, advocates, parents, and people with disabilities.
ADAPT creates IDEA reports that are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes people who are blind or have low vision, people with motor disabilities, and people with intellectual disabilities. ADAPT is compatible with screen readers, braille displays, and other assistive technologies. Users can adjust text size, spacing, and color contrast to improve readability. ADAPT also includes features that help users understand report content.
Lead Agencies (LAs) and State Education Agencies (SEAs) can use ADAPT to meet IDEA public reporting requirements under Sections 616 and 618 for Part C and Part B. ADAPT supports a range of IDEA report templates for Part C and Part B. Users can quickly create accessible reports such as Child Count, Assessment, Personnel, and many others.
Why ADAPT?
When data is presented in accessible formats, it ensures that everyone can access, understand, and use information effectively, regardless of abilities. ADAPT empowers people to be better informed and make data-driven decisions.
Additional benefits of ADAPT include:
- Helps states meet reporting and compliance requirements.
- Improves efficiency with a secure, accessible, and open-source solution.
- Reduces burden on state staff.
- Freely available to install in the state's cloud environment.
Whether you're a data manager, parent, educator, or policymaker, ADAPT makes IDEA data easier to access, understand, and use.
Want to learn more? Request a demo through our Contact Us page.