ADA / Accessibility Policy

Last Updated: March 26, 2026  |  Effective Date: March 26, 2026

1. Policy Statement and Commitment

We recognize that accessibility is not a feature; it is a fundamental right. Grounded Learning CE will take active steps to eliminate barriers that may prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing our educational programs, services, and facilities. This policy applies to all GLCE operations, including our website, learning management system (LMS), course materials, examination platforms, and all related services offered to students across all states where we provide continuing education credits.

2. WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance Commitment

GLCE commits to designing and maintaining our digital platforms and educational content in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. These guidelines provide internationally recognized best practices for web accessibility.

Accessibility Standards

Perceivable: Content is presented in ways users can perceive, including through alternative formats for visual and auditory content.
Operable: All interactive components are navigable and usable via keyboard and other input methods.
Understandable: Information is presented in clear, comprehensible language with predictable navigation.
Robust: Content is compatible with current and future assistive technologies.

Compliance Timeline

Current website and LMS platform: Full WCAG 2.1 AA compliance by December 31, 2026.
All new course content: WCAG 2.1 AA compliant upon publication.
Remediation of existing content: Ongoing, with priority given to the most frequently accessed courses.
Ongoing review and updates: Annual audits and continuous monitoring to maintain compliance.

3. Accommodation Request Process

Students and prospective students may request accommodations at any time during enrollment or course completion. GLCE will work promptly and in good faith to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to educational services.

Types of Accommodations Available

Extended time for timed courses and examinations; screen reader compatibility and testing; alternative format materials (large print, PDF with accessible markup, audio versions); captioned or transcribed video content; keyboard-only navigation support; high contrast display modes; and custom or specialized accommodations based on individual needs.

How to Request Accommodations

1. Complete the Accommodation Request Form (available on the website and through the LMS).
2. Provide documentation of disability if requesting formal accommodations (medical certification may be required).
3. Contact the ADA Coordinator by email or phone (see contact information below).
4. Or submit your request in writing to the mailing address listed below.

4. Designated ADA Coordinator

GLCE has designated an ADA Coordinator responsible for coordinating our efforts to comply with applicable accessibility laws and regulations. The ADA Coordinator receives and processes accommodation requests, addresses accessibility concerns, and oversees our ongoing accessibility initiatives. ADA Coordinator
Name: Shane Buck
Email: support@groundedlearningce.com
Phone: 269-340-0132
Mailing Address: 732 S. 11th Street, #216, Niles, MI 49120

5. Grievance Procedure for Accessibility Complaints

GLCE has established a formal grievance procedure for individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability or who have concerns about the accessibility of our services, programs, or activities. This procedure provides a fair and timely process for resolution.

Step 1: File a Written Complaint

Submit a written complaint to the ADA Coordinator within 30 days of the alleged violation. Include your name and contact information, a description of the alleged violation, the date(s) when the violation occurred, and the names of any witnesses or relevant personnel.

Step 2: Investigation and Response

GLCE will provide a summary of the complaint and investigation findings, a determination regarding whether a violation occurred, and corrective action(s) to be taken, if applicable.

Step 3: Appeal Process

Complainants may appeal the determination through the procedures outlined by the ADA Coordinator at the time of response.

Step 4: External Remedies

If the complaint is not resolved through this internal process, complainants may seek external remedies through the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section; state civil rights agencies or disability advocates; or the Federal Office for Civil Rights (OCR) under the Department of Education.

6. Timeline for Responding to Accommodation Requests

GLCE is committed to processing accommodation requests promptly. Initial Response: 5 Business Days. We will acknowledge receipt of your accommodation request and provide an initial response within 5 business days of receiving your completed request form. Implementation: 10 Business Days. We will implement the accommodation or provide an interim accommodation within 10 business days of the initial response (or earlier, if possible). For time-sensitive requests (such as accommodations needed for an upcoming exam), GLCE will work to provide accommodations as quickly as possible and may provide interim accommodations while permanent solutions are being arranged.

7. Assistive Technology Compatibility Statement

GLCE is committed to ensuring that our website and LMS platform are compatible with widely used assistive technologies. Our platforms are designed to work with: Screen Readers: JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and other ARIA-compliant screen readers.
Screen Magnification: ZoomText, Windows Magnifier, and browser-based zoom functionality.
Speech Recognition: Dragon NaturallySpeaking and browser-native voice controls.
Alternative Input Devices: Eye tracking, switch access, and other alternative input methods.
Browser Extensions: Dyslexia-friendly fonts, color filters, and other accessibility add-ons. We test our platforms regularly with popular assistive technologies and work to resolve any compatibility issues that arise. If you experience technical difficulties using our services with assistive technology, please contact the ADA Coordinator immediately.

8. Course Platform Accessibility Features

All GLCE courses are designed with accessibility in mind. Our LMS and course materials include the following built-in features: Keyboard Navigation: Full keyboard accessibility without reliance on mouse or trackpad.
Alternative Text (Alt Text): Descriptive alt text for all images, diagrams, and graphics.
Captioned Videos: Synchronized captions for all video content.
Audio Descriptions: Descriptions of visual content for learners using screen readers.
Adjustable Text Size: Scalable fonts and responsive layout that adapts to user preferences.
High Contrast Mode: Option to display content with enhanced color contrast.
Logical Heading Structure: Proper semantic HTML with appropriate heading hierarchy.
Focus Indicators: Clear visual indication of keyboard focus for navigation.
Skip Links: Ability to skip repetitive navigation elements.
Consistent Navigation: Predictable and consistent interface design. We continually review and enhance these features based on user feedback and accessibility best practices.

9. Third-Party Content

GLCE uses third-party content providers, including external video platforms, document repositories, and assessment tools. We are committed to ensuring that all embedded or linked third-party content meets accessibility standards to the greatest extent possible. When selecting and incorporating third-party content, GLCE evaluates providers for their accessibility commitments and WCAG compliance, adds captions, transcripts, and alt text to third-party content where the original provider does not supply them, monitors third-party providers for ongoing accessibility compliance, and provides alternative content or accommodations if third-party content has accessibility barriers. If you encounter accessibility issues with third-party content, please contact the ADA Coordinator. We will work to provide an alternative accessible version or accommodation.

10. Ongoing Compliance and Testing

Accessibility is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment. GLCE maintains a program of continuous accessibility improvement.

Accessibility Audits

We conduct automated accessibility scanning quarterly and perform manual accessibility audits annually.

User Testing

We gather feedback from users with disabilities and test courses and platform features with assistive technology users.

Remediation

We prioritize and address accessibility issues identified through testing and maintain a log of accessibility issues and remediation status.

Staff Training

We provide ongoing accessibility training to course developers and staff and maintain current knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices.

Annual Review

GLCE will conduct a comprehensive review of this Accessibility Policy and our accessibility practices annually, with updates made as needed to reflect new technologies, regulations, and best practices.

11. State-Specific Requirements

Several of the states where GLCE provides continuing education have explicit accessibility requirements for CE providers: Wisconsin: Requires that continuing education providers ensure online course accessibility for students with disabilities.
Minnesota: Under Minn. Stat. § 363A.43, continuing education courses approved by the state must be made available to persons with disabilities in an accessible manner, with reasonable modifications to policies and practices. Violation carries a $500 penalty per occurrence plus attorney fees.
Connecticut: Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-75, educational and vocational programs must be open to all qualified persons without regard to disability, with special attention to the needs of persons who are physically disabled. This Accessibility Policy meets or exceeds the requirements established by Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Connecticut, as well as federal ADA and Section 508 standards. GLCE is committed to full compliance with all applicable state and federal accessibility requirements.

12. Legal References

This policy is established in compliance with the following laws and regulations: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title III, 42 U.S.C. § 12181 et seq.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508, 29 U.S.C. § 794(d)
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA
ADA Title III, 42 U.S.C. § 12182 (Public accommodations); Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, Wis. Stat. § 111.321 et seq. (Disability nondiscrimination)
Minnesota Statute § 363A.43 (Continuing education accessibility for persons with disabilities)
Connecticut General Statutes § 46a-75 (Discrimination in educational and vocational programs prohibited)

Questions or Concerns?

We welcome your feedback and are committed to continuously improving accessibility for all students and users. Grounded Learning CE, LLC
732 S. 11th Street, #216
Niles, MI 49120
Email: support@groundedlearningce.com
Phone: 269-340-0132