Information Technology Accessibilty Policy
- Responsible Oversight Executive:ÌýVice President for Administration and Finance
- Date of Current Revision or Creation:ÌýFebruary 2, 2023
- Download Policy PDF
This policy is established to support the Â鶹´«Ã½ community in promoting equal access to information technology (IT) resources and services produced, maintained, distributed, and/or purchased by Â鶹´«Ã½ for use by students, staff, faculty, and visitors. This policy sets forth accessibility standards and guidelines, including tools and training, which reflect best practices for achieving the accessibility standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
, grants authority to the Board of Visitors to make rules and policies concerning the institution. Section 7.01(a)(6) of theÌýÌýgrants authority to the President to implement the policies and procedures of the Board relating to University operations.
The Commonwealth of Virginia Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act of 2005 grants institutions additional authority over financial and administrative operations, on condition that certain commitments to the Commonwealth are met.
Chapters 124 and 125 of the 2019 Virginia Acts of the Assembly and Â鶹´«Ã½'s Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth provide full delegated responsibility for management of the institution's IT architecture, infrastructure, and ongoing operations, of which IT accessibility is a part. This delegation includes the authority to conduct these activities in accordance with industry best practices appropriately tailored for the specific needs and circumstances of the University, in lieu of following Commonwealth-determined specifications.
, Eligibility for Restructured Financial and Administrative Operational Authority and Financial Benefits.
, provides a comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
, requires Federal agencies to ensure that electronic and information technology is accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities to the extent it does not pose an "undue burden."
Accessibility- Refers to the University objective that everyone within the University community, regardless of disability, will be afforded appropriate access to information technology.
Ìý- An international organization that develops inter-operable technologies to lead the Web to its full potential. W3C is a forum of information, commerce, communication, and collective understanding.
University CommunityÌý- Students, faculty, staff, and visitors of Â鶹´«Ã½.
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This policy applies to all decision makers, developers and planners of University systems and operations related to the conceptualization, design, acquisition, and maintenance of information technology.
The procurement, development, and/or maintenance of information technology and user support services for persons with disabilities align with accessibility standards specified inÌýÌýand inÌýÌýfrom theÌý, appropriately tailored to the specific circumstances of the University.
Accessibility standards are designed to evolve and change, as newer technologies are introduced and user needs change. At the same time, the standards maintain a consistent framework for accessibility training and support services. University information technology development, maintenance, training, and support personnel responsible for information technology procurement, programs, and services should possess an appropriate level of technical knowledge related to accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.
The specific standards to be utilized for compliance with this policy are published on theÌýÌýwebsite. Additional guidelines are available on theÌýÌýwebsite.
The specific standards to be utilized for compliance with this policy are published on theÌýÌýwebsite. Additional guidelines are available on theÌýÌýwebsite.
Chief Information Officer
Revisions & Review
Policy Formulation Committee (PFC) & Responsible Officer Approval to Proceed:
/s/ÌýRusty Waterfield
Responsible Officer
January 4, 2023
Date
Policy Review Committee (PRC) Approval to Proceed:
/s/ÌýDonna W. Meeks
Chair, Policy Review Committee (PRC)
August 18, 2022
Date
Executive Policy Review Committee (EPRC) Approval to Proceed:
/s/ÌýChad A. Reed
Responsible Oversight Executive
January 27, 2023
Date
University Counsel Approval to Proceed:
/s/ÌýAllen T. Wilson
University Counsel
January 31, 2023
Date
Presidential Approval:
/s/ÌýBrian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President
February 2, 2023
Date
Previous Revisions: April 9, 2010; April 26, 2011; March 15, 2017; February 2, 2023
Scheduled Review Date: February 2, 2028