The version of this rule that includes
live links to associated resources is online at
https://www.ohio.edu/policy/04-001.html
(A)
Purpose
The use of information technology (IT)
is integral to the university's operations for all members of the community.
Therefore, in accordance with federal and state law, this policy establishes
standards and expectations to facilitate the deployment of information
technology that has been designed, developed, or purchased to be accessible to
people with disabilities, including those who use assistive technologies.
Accessibility generally enhances usability for all users. Thus, by supporting
IT accessibility, Ohio university helps ensure that as broad a population as
possible will have access to, benefit from, and contribute to its digital
information and services.
It is the responsibility of all members
of the university community - faculty, staff, and students - to provide equal
access to our employment and educational environment, including information
technology. This policy is in accordance with the Ohio University Americans
with Disabilities Act compliance policy 03.003 and section 508 of the 1973
Rehabilitation Act
(B)
Policy
statement
Software, hardware and systems
purchased must be accessible and must produce accessible products. Ohio
university will collaborate with departments in working towards equal access to
information technology in a systematic manner. Acquiring and purchasing
technologies that meet the requirements described in this document and other
applicable policies will enable all colleges, departments, offices and entities
of the university to:
(1)
Design and publish university web page content and
web-based applications in accordance with the current university web
accessibility guidelines.
(2)
Design and host technology that supports accessible
course content in accordance with the current university web accessibility
guidelines.
(3)
Use software and hardware solutions that promote access
by all users, including those with disabilities.
(C)
Applicability
This policy applies to all information
technology that is acquired, distributed, purchased, developed, implemented or
substantially modified after the effective date of this policy, by or for any
Ohio university administrative or academic unit and used to provide university
programs, services, or activities including:
(1)
Information
technology services, those associated with courses of instruction, departmental
programs, university-sponsored activities, employment, administration and
university services, including hardware and software to be developed, purchased
or acquired by Ohio university.
(2)
University
environments specific to information technology including classroom and general
use computer facilities, on-line instruction, distance learning, places of
employment, and libraries.
(D)
Exceptions
Recognizing that it may not always be
possible to achieve accessibility due to various factors, including but not
limited to the scope of usage and availability of alternate accessible
information technology, requests for exceptions will be evaluated on a
case-by-case basis. Requests for exception shall be submitted in writing to the
ADA/504 coordinator, office of university equity and civil rights compliance.
Details on what to include are described in the process to request an
exception.
(E)
Compliance resources
Questions or concerns regarding
compliance with this policy should be directed to the ADA/504 coordinator,
office of university equity and civil rights compliance (ECRC).
The office of information technology
(OIT) has the subject matter expertise to respond to questions about technical
information technology requirements. ECRC will work with OIT to provide
assistance to units in their efforts to comply with the requirements of this
policy.
Resources are available to departments
to implement this policy.
(F)
Definitions
Accessible information technology:
Information technology that is accessible with or without the use of any
assistive technology device or software that interfaces with
university-provided software and infrastructure, or assistive technology
service that makes educational and workplace materials available to persons
with disabilities.
Information technology: Any equipment,
interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, or service that is used in the
acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display,
switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information. The
term information technology includes computers, ancillary equipment, software,
firmware and similar procedures, services (including support services), and
related resources.
The version of this rule that includes
live links to associated resources is online at
https://www.ohio.edu/policy2/04-001.html