Grand River Solutions, a leading authority in Title IX & equity solutions, proudly announces the appointment of Judith Risch, J.D., Ph.D., as the Title IX & Equity Access Services Special Advisor. Judy brings over two decades of invaluable experience from her tenure at the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education.
Judy Risch is nationally recognized as a foremost expert in digital accessibility, having served as a senior attorney at the Department of Education, where she co-led the Office for Civil Rights National Digital Accessibility Team. Her role involved overseeing a team of attorneys and investigators across twelve regional offices, enforcing digital accessibility policies and advising educational institutions and business leaders on compliance with federal disability discrimination laws.
While at OCR, Judy provided expert technical guidance during the development of the new ADA Title II amendments that cover digital accessibility. She also contributed her expertise to updating the 2024 Section 504 Regulations regarding digital accessibility for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. Judy regularly advises and presents to educational institutions and business leaders throughout the country about how to effectively comply with federal civil rights laws, especially those that relate to disability discrimination, access, and technology.
With over 20 years of working at OCR, a background in special education from Miami University and a law degree (JD) and a doctorate in educational administration (PhD) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Judy is uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive insights into the intersection of disability and civil rights laws with the goals of institutions nationwide.
Judy’s role at Grand River Solutions will involve partnering with senior leadership in business, healthcare, government, and educational systems in areas of disability discrimination related to equity, access, and technology, ensuring best practices and compliance with federal civil rights laws, including Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
“We are thrilled to welcome Judy Risch to the Grand River Solutions team,” said Jody Shipper, Co-Founder & Managing Director. “Judy is a true thought leader, whose extensive knowledge of §504 and deep understanding of the complexities of web and digital accessibility broadens our ability to serve clients who are striving to meet compliance goals while also looking for practical advice on satisfying those objectives.”
Judy’s appointment underscores the dedication of Grand River Solutions to providing innovative and expert guidance in Title IX & equity matters, reaffirming its position as a trusted source for those seeking to navigate these complex issues with confidence.
Judy’s full bio here.