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✔ Compare accessibility links

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Here’s a comparison of the two documents—the current Accessibility of Information Technology policy and the new draft Digital Accessibility policy—highlighting their key differences:


1. Title and Focus

  • Current Policy: "Accessibility of Information Technology"
    The focus is broader and includes all information technology and digital materials in general, covering web content, web applications, digital materials, and technology-related work environments.
  • New Policy: "Accessibility of Digital Content and Information Technology"
    The focus is specifically on digital content and information technology, including web-based documents, media, communications, and web/mobile applications used in university services, programs, and activities. It excludes things like individual student websites not related to university programs.

2. Scope of Application

  • Current Policy: It covers a wide range of university departments, units, and faculty, specifying that students or non-university organizations (even if hosted by the university) are exempt.
  • New Policy: The scope is similarly broad, but it clarifies that individual websites or specialized software (such as those purchased for personal use) are excluded. It emphasizes that all university staff, faculty, and agents involved in digital content creation or procurement are responsible for accessibility.

3. Accessibility Standards

  • Current Policy: The current policy refers to the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and also introduces ARIA guidelines for ensuring accessibility. It mentions alternative text, captioning, and other assistive practices to ensure equal access.
  • New Policy: The new draft also requires WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance and adds a section specifying that the content must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with disabilities. However, it also mentions a more detailed requirement for digital content to enable independent, private, and equitable access similar to non-disabled users.

4. Exceptions to Accessibility Requirements

  • Current Policy: Lists exceptions like research tools with no need for accessibility (if no one on the team needs accommodations) and products with no accessible alternatives. There is also an emphasis on documentation of efforts to verify these exceptions.
  • New Policy: The new policy introduces a more formalized process with references to an administrative procedure for exemptions, particularly when an alternative accommodation or accessible format can be provided upon request. The wording emphasizes that exemptions are limited and only applicable in specific circumstances.

5. Procedures for Implementation

  • Current Policy: Details specific procedures, including requests for accessible formats, the role of the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in responding to accessibility requests, and provides forms such as the Digital Resource Accessibility Assessment Request.
  • New Policy: More detailed on the digital accessibility monitoring and enforcement processes, outlining how digital accessibility will be reported, evaluated, and enforced across the university. It also introduces a Digital Resource Accessibility Consultation form and specifies a training request form for improving compliance.

6. Definitions and Clarifications

  • Current Policy: Provides detailed definitions such as “Accessible” (defining equal access for people with disabilities), "Adaptive Technology" (e.g., screen readers, alternative keyboards), and "Functional Accessibility."
  • New Policy: The new draft introduces more specific definitions like "Fundamental Alteration" (major changes affecting the core function of a service) and "Undue Financial or Administrative Burden" (significant disruption or cost). It also introduces definitions related to digital content and information technology and provides clarification on when content is not subject to accessibility rules.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Current Policy: The responsibilities are divided across different groups, including the Disability Resource Center, Office of Information Technology (OIT), and Web Developers. These units are tasked with ensuring compliance, offering consulting services, and promoting awareness.
  • New Policy: The roles are more explicitly defined and include departments like the Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA), which has a stronger monitoring and assessment role. Additionally, it includes the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED) and emphasizes their responsibility in promoting accessibility and advocating for disabled individuals across the university.

8. Related Information and Resources

  • Current Policy: Provides links to additional resources, such as WCAG, ARIA, and the Functional Accessibility Evaluator.
  • New Policy: Includes additional resources such as the Digital Accessibility Strategic Plan, Accessibility Ambassadors, and links to various training programs and tools provided by the university (e.g., Web accessibility checking tools, Digital Accessibility Badging Program).

9. Review and Updates

  • Current Policy: Last amended in August 2018, with clarifications about media inclusion and the accommodation process.
  • New Policy: This draft policy is currently under review, with an open feedback process. It represents a more current effort to align with updated accessibility goals and procedures.

Summary of Changes:

  • More Specificity in Roles: The new policy clarifies roles for digital accessibility monitoring and enforcement, especially with the Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA) and related university units.
  • Procedures for Exemptions: The new policy formalizes and restricts exemptions to meet accessibility standards, requiring accommodations when digital content cannot meet these standards.
  • Expanded Definitions: The new policy adds more detailed definitions, especially around when exemptions may apply (e.g., fundamental alteration and undue financial burden).
  • Focus on Digital Content: The new draft is more focused on web and mobile applications, with clearer guidelines on when things like individual websites or personal software are excluded.

Both policies align in their overall commitment to accessibility, but the new policy is more structured, with a clearer process for compliance, exemptions, and enforcement, alongside an increased emphasis on shared responsibility across the entire university.







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