Institutional Representation

Guidelines for Everyone

Accessibility makes it easier for everyone to see, hear, and use a device and to customize their digital environment according to their own preferences, needs, and abilities. The policies and procedures listed here will detail the responsibilities of everyone at the college as related to the following 4 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) related activities, which are subject to 508.

Each campus member has the responsibility to create, purchase, and support accessible content and to learn the principles of accessibility. Accessibility is a collaborative effort, and it is the responsibility of the individual to partner with others on campus in this effort; therefore, everyone at the institution should use the guidelines below. In addition, please review the resources for other roles you may fulfill at the institution: content creators, instructors, event coordinators, and web designers/developers.

Development

Any web or app development will follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) which are organized by four main principles, which state that content must be POUR: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. WCAG is the most-referenced set of standards in website accessibility lawsuits and is widely considered the best way to achieve accessibility.

Procurement

  • Refers to the processes followed to ensure that products are accessible and that vendors meet accessibility guidelines
  • When purchasing products, seek information and documentation from the vendor regarding the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) for their product, which is available from the vendor. The college is obligated to purchase products that meet 508 requirements.
  • Once the VPAT has been obtained, seek guidance from the Technology Advisory Committee, the Director of Technology, and/or a Disabled Services and Programs specialist who will ensure the purchase follows the college’s purchasing guidelines.

Maintenance

  • Technology software will be regularly updated to ensure security and accessibility are maintained.
  • Renewing technology contracts will provide an opportunity to take a fresh look at accessibility features and update existing VPATs

Use

Everyone in the college has the responsibility to ensure their use of available tools aligns with accessibility standards. While the technologies the college purchases are accessible, users must still understand how to create accessible content in the tool itself. The college provides numerous training and support in this effort, and it is the individual’s responsibility to grow in their knowledge.

Everyone has some responsibility to ensure that 508 standards are met but responsibility will vary depending on the type of ICT. Consider the following partners when planning an event, creating content, or supporting users:

  • Disabled Students Programs and Services
  • Distance Education Coordinator
  • Instructional Designer
  • Web Content Engineer
  • Librarians
  • Student Services
  • Student Activities

The Importance of Your Role

The US General Services Administration recommends clear roles to manage accessibility. All members of the campus community must work together to ensure the college supports those who need accessible content.

Next Steps:

  • Consider accessibility from the beginning of an event, purchase, space, or digital communication to ensure that accessibility is not an afterthought.
  • Familiarize oneself with the governmental laws and institutional policies that regulate accessibility.
  • Seek access to training, resources, and experts to ensure accessible and universal design principles.

Resources - Training and Professional Development

Utilize training and resources provided to develop the skills to support an environment where Section 508 accessibility requirements are understood, communicated, implemented, and enforced.