Disability Group Sues Harvard University and MIT To Include Closed Captioning

When humans complain about violations at Harvard University of disability laws, he or she is referred to the university office on disability. As if that office ensures that the university complies with the laws. In Cambridge there is a long existing Handicap Commission (the official name) with jurisdiction over Harvard and MIT. When a violation is brought to their attention the city commission seeks training sessions for the person or group. It seldom forces the issue which is why so many organizations and businesses fail to fulfill their obligations. Disability advocates do not employ PR flacks as other alleged vulnerable groups do. Add the fact that many organizations (Harvard and MIT included?) do not fear non compliance with laws unless there is a likelihood of a lawsuit. That is how today's lawyers advise their clients. There are numerous taxpayer funded disability rights organizations at state and federal levels. Why have they failed to make this happen as the courses were developed? Not too effective. No Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson working for persons with disabilities.

[From article]
Officials at Harvard and MIT said they're committed to making their courses and online materials accessible to everyone.
Harvard spokesman Jeff Neal said that new federal rules that will "provide much-needed guidance in this area" are expected to be proposed this year by the U.S. Department of Justice and that Harvard will follow the new rules.
"Expanding access to knowledge and making online learning content accessible is of vital importance to Harvard and to educational institutions across the country," Neal said.
MIT is including captioning in all new online content, a spokeswoman said.

http://cambridge.wickedlocal.com/article/20150213/NEWS/150218135

Harvard, MIT sued over lack of closed captioning online
Posted Feb. 13, 2015 at 1:29 PM
CAMBRIDGE Chronicle

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[From article]
The complaints against both MIT and Harvard claim that the universities have violated the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The first act requires that places of public accommodation “not deny persons with disabilities” its services, and the second stipulates that education institutions receiving federal financial assistance must provide equal access to all individuals regardless of disabilities.

http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2015/2/13/lawsuit-online-edX-discrimination/

Lawsuit Alleges that Harvard's Online Content Discriminates
By HANNAH SMATI

Harvard CRIMSON STAFF WRITER
February 13, 2015