Frequently Asked Questions About the Accessibility SPG

How soon do I need to ensure accessibility for Electronic Information Technology (EIT) products I’m responsible for?

Rolling out an EIT Accessibility Standard Practice Guide is a way to establish a uniform culture and approach to EIT/digital accessibility. There is not an expectation that all technologies are to be immediately accessible either before or after the roll-out period. The policy is designed to be:

  • Proactive: Encouraging units to design and procure accessible technologies, and
  • Reactive: Providing ways for users to point out issues with technology accessibility and Requiring units to have methods to respond to these issue reports.

Units are encouraged to:

Where can I find training on EIT accessibility?

What is the roll out period for?

The goal of the EIT Accessibility SPG is to provide a common framework and strategic direction for digital accessibility. The EIT Accessibility SPG is broadly applicable to many technologies and services across campus. The roll out period gives units time to develop their plans and practices around digital accessibility. It also gives units time to provide feedback and suggest resources that should be available centrally or in their units. After the roll out period the university will continue to add new EIT accessibility resources. The awareness campaign began in March 2023. Expect to hear more soon.

How can I incorporate accessibility into our procurement process?

Not all products are accessible – even products from major technology brands often have accessibility issues. If you are engaged in an RFP (Request for Proposal), it is likely that some technologies may be more or less accessible than others. We offer a process for buying IT with accessibility in mind.

If, after following this process, you believe a technology cannot be made accessible or would otherwise like to request an exception, please see the exception process section below.

What is the exception process?

Some technologies cannot readily be made accessible given current technology constraints, or may have design constraints that prevent a technology from being accessible. Units should prioritize technology acquisition based on user impact along with other factors. If, when reviewing a technology or process for accessibility, a unit encounters one that cannot be made accessible for a variety of reasons, units may then request a time-bound exception for that technology.

All exceptions are time-bound in that they do not last indefinitely and should be reviewed as technology evolves, needs change, and resources change. Units are still ultimately responsible for reactive accessibility in cases where exceptions are deployed (e.g., for providing accommodations to ensure equitable participation/access to university programs, services, and activities).

Who should I contact for help?

Contact the accessibility team, the group leading the EIT Accessibility policy implementation.

What if I encounter accessibility issues during product use?

Please report accessibility issues at Report an IT Accessibility Issue.

What should I do first to comply with the policy?

The Your Role page has links based on various roles (instructor, end-user, content creator/presenter, manager/administrator, technical staff) that will point you to appropriate first steps.

Can you come and talk to my staff about accessibility?

We are happy to discuss with units and departments. Contact the accessibility team to request this, and we will get back to you as soon as we are able.