REG 04.25.05 – Information and Communication Technology Accessibility

Authority: Issued by the Chancellor. Changes or exceptions to administrative regulations issued by the Chancellor may only be made by the Chancellor.

History: First Issued: March 7, 2006.  Last Revised: May 23, 2017.

Related Policies:
NCSU POL04.25.05 – Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
NCSU POL08.00.01 – Computer Use Policy
NCSU REG02.20.01 – Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
NCSU REG04.25.02 – Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Complaint Procedure

Additional References:
Frequently Asked Questions About This Regulation

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Accessibility Standards (Federal Access Board)
Office of Information Technology, IT Accessibility Services
Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity
Disability Services Office
Americans with Disabilities Act
NCSU Purchasing – Instructions to Bidders
Frequently Asked Questions About the June 29, 2010, Dear Colleague Letter
ADA Hotline (email address)
North Carolina General Statute § 168A-7 – Discrimination in Public Service
Title IX Website

Contact Info:
Vice Chancellor for Information Technology, (919) 515-0141

Additional Contact Info:
Vice Provost slschwab@ncsu.edu (919) 515-3148
Associate Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity and Equity (Complaints/Investigations/Training) jdelrod@ncsu.edu (919) 515-3148
Deputy Title IX Coordinator (Athletics) swmlee2@ncsu.edu (919)515-5076
Deputy Title IX Coordinator (Student Development, Health & Wellness) lpzapata@ncsu.edu (919)-513-3403


1.  INTRODUCTION AND POLICY STATEMENT

NC State University is committed to providing equal access to its educational services, programs and activities in accordance with federal and state laws and, as part of that commitment, to creating an information and communication technology environment that is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. Creating an accessible information and communication technology environment is the responsibility of all University administrators, faculty, and staff. This regulation applies to the university’s information and communication technology resources and includes their procurement, development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance.

2.  DEFINITIONS

When used in this regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

2.1  “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Resources” means any electronic resources used for instruction, information distribution, or communication.  ICT resources include, but are not limited to, instructional systems, online instructional lessons, Web-based services, software applications, electronic documents, computers, hardware systems, telecommunication products, video and multimedia products, mobile devices, and online events.

2.2 “Accessibility” means the university’s objective that everyone within the University community, regardless of disability, will have equivalent access to ICT resources.

2.3 Accessibility Guidelines: Accessibility Guidelines are the (Federal) Access Board’s Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards.

3.  PROCEDURES

3.1  NC State employees responsible for designing, developing or maintaining ICT Resources should ensure the resources comply with the Accessibility Guidelines.

3.2  NC State employees purchasing ICT Resources should ensure resources comply with Accessibility Guidelines before purchase.

3.3 NC State employees selecting ICT Resources, including textbooks or other instructional tools that students will use, should ensure that resources comply with the Accessibility Guidelines.

3.4 If unable to locate or use an ICT Resource (whether created or acquired) that is fully accessible, employees must develop an Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan (EEAAP), which identifies accessibility issues, responsible parties, and reasonable procedures for communicating and providing equally effective alternative access.

4.  REPORTING AND CORRECTIVE MEASURES

4.1  The Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity (OIED) and the Office of Information Technology (OIT) are responsible for notifying responsible parties of issues with the accessibility of their ICT Resources and overseeing the resolution of these issues. Any person experiencing accessibility issues with an ICT Resource should notify the ADA Coordinator within OIED.

4.2  As OIED becomes aware of accessibility issues relating to a particular ICT Resource, it will contact OIT.  OIT will notify the relevant university employees who must then:

(a) correct the identified accessibility issues in a timely fashion;

(b) justify why modifying the particular ICT Resource(s) would create an undue hardship or result in a fundamental alteration of the service, program, or activity; or

(c) work with OIED to identify a reasonable accommodation that provides equal access.

4.3  If the relevant university employees fail to provide a satisfactory response to OIT’s inquiry or do not address accessibility issues in a timely fashion, the Vice Chancellor or Dean responsible for the unit will be contacted by OIT and required to address the issue, in consultation with an accessibility compliance team if necessary.