University Accessibility Policies and Auditing Processes
Explore how Wichita State University ensures accessibility for all through its policies and auditing processes, following ADA and Section 504 requirements. Learn about EIT audits and the university's commitment to providing accessible technology and course content.
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August 12, 2020 2:00 2:50 pm Zoom Session Accessibility and the University s Auditing Processes Heather M. Merchant, MS Educational Accessibility Technologist Instructional Design and Access
Agenda WSU s accessibility policy Accessibility & accommodations EIT audits Friendly audits
Accessibility and accommodations
Accessibility versus accommodations Accommodations Adaptation or modification to meet the needs of an individual or group Accessibility Degree to which something can be used without adaptation or modification by everyone
Wichita State University entered into a resolution agreement with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) in 2016 All . Educational material Instructional technology Interfaces Third party websites Vendor products LMSs everything Must meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and WCAG 2.0 AA Guidelines or an equally effective alternate will be provided at the same time WSU s Agreement with the NFB WSU shall monitor compliance with standards and guidelines and inform instructional staff and content developers who have failed to meet standards and will provide direction and guidance to remediate barriers in a timely way.
WSU Accessibility Policy 8.11 Wichita State University is committed to making all websites, web- based applications, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and instructional materials accessible to its students, faculty, staff, and participants who have disabilities. Accessibility standards are based on ADA, Section 504 requirements and applicable regulations. Conformance to this policy does not negate the responsibility of Wichita State University to ensure that accessible technology and course content complies with applicable accessibility standards (see section IV.)
What is EIT? Electronic Information Technology equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the creation, conversion, or duplication of data or information internet and intranet websites content delivered in digital form electronic books and electronic book reading systems search engines and databases learning and other content management systems classroom technology and multimedia personal response systems (clickers) office equipment such as classroom podiums copiers and fax machines. equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, creation, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information telecommunications products automated teller machines (ATMs) transaction machines computer ancillary equipment software firmware and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources
What is asked in an EIT audit? Is the EIT accessible for individuals With no vision or low-vision? Compatible with screen readers Alternative text for all images EIT Audit Rubric Not all questions/sections will be applicable to all EIT Mixture of ADA and WCAG 2.0 AA Guidelines With low vision? Resizing Who cannot distinguish color? Color contrast ratio Color as only means of conveying information With hearing impairments? Captions for audio With fine or gross motor skill impairments? Operational with keyboard only
Do my tools need an EIT audit? YES Software Websites Publisher tools Vending machines And more NO Access Now (through the university bookstore) Blackboard GoReact LinkedIn Learning Panopto Perusall Respondus LDB with Monitor Zoom Check the Accessible Publisher Software webpage
How do I request an EIT audit for my tool(s)? Voluntary Product Accessibility Template Heather.merchant@wichita.edu Email VPAT to Heather.merch ant@wichita.ed u and request a VPAT review Yes, I received a VPAT Heather.merchant@wichita.edu Heather.merchant@wichita.edu I need my tool checked for accessibility Request a VPAT from the publisher manufacturer No, they don t have a VPAT Complete the Accessibility Review Form Accessibility Review Form Accessibility Review Form
What happens if my tool doesnt meet the accessibility standards required ? You will receive a detailed description of If there is no accessible alternative available, or if you need to use software listed on the inaccessible list, you may qualify to go through the accessibility exceptions process. Guidelines your EIT did not fully meet and why Which user groups may experience difficulties accessing your chosen EIT
To request an exception, you must document how this request fits into one or more of the following categories: a) Compliance is not technically possible or feasible given current technology b) The information or service is used by a specific, limited audience which has no known need for accessibility features Requesting an exception c) For third party and/or vendor delivered products, no accessible and equally effective alternative for the information or service exists d) Making the information or service accessible would require extraordinary measures that constitute an undue burden to the university Accessibility Exceptions Process Info and Form
Audit of all online, hybrid, and badge courses at Wichita State by semester Review of course Accessibility Content Organization What are Friendly audits? Review is conducted by QM certified auditor(s) with knowledge of accessibility and instructional design Instructors will receive physical or electronic letter(s) highlighting areas where there are opportunities for improvement and directions on how to implement those changes.
What does a Friendly audit cover? Accessibility Content Organization Captions for audio and video Alt text for images Documents can be read by a screen reader EIT used in course is accessible, including the websites course is linked to Links are descriptive, not raw URL And more Not judged on quality of content Judged on whether content is provided or not And if course contains any instructor-generated content Judged by whether content is displayed in a logical manner for learners
When are Friendly audits conducted? Every three years Fall, Spring, and Summer Subject to change at any time
Results are recorded Non-sensitive data collected is used for analytics Friendly audit results Example 1: 50% of courses that could be merged (parent / child) are Example 2: 10% of courses are using Panopto for lectures Example 3: 67% of courses contain inaccessible documents NOTE: These stats are hypothetical
Red Flag Courses that are a detriment to the student and should not be offered until suggested audit fixes can be implemented Lack of interaction Lack of assignment variety Lack of any organization No instructor-generated content Avoidance of using Blackboard s tools only linking to external documents Red Flag / Accessibility Red Flag Accessibility Red Flag Good courses, but contain severe accessibility issues Contains only scanned PDFs Contains numerous lecture videos with poor audio quality and no captions or transcripts Majority of course links to inaccessible EIT for which instructor did not request an exception
Friendly audit letters Example: You teach 2 courses in Fall, 3 courses in Spring and 1 course in Summer Four of these courses have no issues Two have accessibility issues You will receive 2 letters for the audit year All courses with similar audit results from Fall, Spring, and Summer will be included on one letter You will receive one or more letters Note: only the instructor will receive the letter
Tips for great Friendly Audit results Accessibility Content Organization Include instructor-generated content Make sure all videos and audio contain accurate, edited captions Have a Start Here content area Make sure syllabus is located in start here or self-described content area Add sufficiently descriptive alternative text for images and infographics Include a variety of content types Include an Ask the Professor discussion forum Organize content by module, week, or unit Make sure all EIT is accessible Incorporate activities, lectures, or assignments that foster instructor-student and student- student interaction Make sure color contrast is sufficient and do not use color as the only means of conveying information Use Blackboard s tools! Use your Ally dials in Blackboard!
Take Aways Check the Accessible Publisher Software webpage for any EIT you re planning on using If not listed Request a VPAT and email heather.merchant@wichita.edu If the EIT does not have a VPAT, fill out the accessibility review request form If your EIT is not fully accessible and alternatives are not available, Pursue accessibility exceptions process Create accessible content (it s much easier than having to remediate later!) IDA has lots of training on accessibility including KSARN.org! Include the following in your course(s): Start Here content area Organization by module or weeks Ask the Professor discussion forum Instructor-generated content Instructor-student and student-student interaction
When the poll appears on your screen, please answer the 5 questions. Zoom Interactive Poll
