Accessible Technology DTF

Overview: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require that qualified individuals with disabilities be provided equal access to programs, services, or activities. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act sets a “benchmark” for access. The ADA and Section 504 coverage extends to equipment and technological devices when they are used by public entities as part of their programs, services, activities, or accommodations.

In the beginning…. Kindle settlement: “Requiring use of an emerging technology in a classroom environment when the technology is inaccessible to an entire population of individuals with disabilities is discrimination.” DOE and DOJ joint “Dear Colleague Letter” June 2010 –Interpret broadly

Cont’d. The ADA and Section 504 coverage extends to equipment and technological devices when they are used by public entities as part of their programs, services, activities, or accommodations. It is unacceptable for universities to use emerging technology without insisting that this technology be accessible to all students.

FAQ’s About the DCL All faculty and staff must comply with the nondiscrimination requirements of Section 504 and the ADA in their professional interactions with students, because these interactions are part of the operations of the school. Faculty may not deny a student with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in a course by assigning inaccessible course content.

Scope of EIT Policies Policies for access should cover academic programs and services, student services, auxiliary programs and services, information resources and technologies, and the procurement of goods and services EIT includes, but is not limited to computer and network access and services, computer‐delivered or enhanced instruction, instructional technologies such as clickers, library electronic information resources, library online catalogs and homepages, campus informational web sites, computer‐delivered or assisted administrative services, office equipment such as copiers, classroom podiums, and fax machines, information kiosks and ATMs.

Governance & Authority 26 While each project, policy element and procedure should identify roles and responsibilities for start up, ongoing implementation, and evaluation ensuring the accessibility of electronic and information technology is a shared institutional responsibility requiring ongoing, institutional attention and commitment for sustainable success.