Consistency of Experience

Recommendation 4

Update Policy on Information Technology (IT) Accessibility. Review, update and approve the policy regarding information technology that is acquired, developed, distributed, used, purchased or implemented by or for any Oregon State University unit; and used to provide university programs, services, events or activities through websites, web-based applications, or in person. Scope should include, among other issues: purchasing and using technology that is, or can easily be made to be, accessible for use by people with disabilities; expectations that settings for accessibility be active as a default; and clarifying that expectations and requirements apply to all IT, whether managed or not by central University Information Technology (UIT).

Lead: University Information Technology (UIT) via the IT Governance Group

Recommendation 5

Provide resources and support to enable units to meet information technology (IT) accessibility requirements. Update existing, or create new, checklists, training and other resources that align with and support the operationalization of the Policy on IT Accessibility, for example: developing accessible websites, enabling closed captioning for videos, accessibility requirements for procurement of software or other IT products, accessible set up and use of technology at events, identifying and correcting inaccessible features on websites, assessing and updating internal processes, and supporting faculty in developing accessible materials. Numerous best practices already exist across campus that could be shared more widely in a centrally accessible location.

Lead: University Information Technology (UIT) via the Operational IT Governance team, and in close collaboration with University Relations and Marketing

Recommendation 6

Utilize accessible best practices in large and small OSU construction and remodeling projects. Review, update and maintain the Accessibility Best Practices in OSU Construction Standards. Update existing, or create new, checklists, training and/or other resources that align with and support operationalization of the construction standards, regardless of whether the projects are managed within or outside of OSU.

Lead: University Facilities, Infrastructure & Operations (UFIO)

Recommendation 7

Employee accommodations budget. In alignment with best practices , centralize the university’s employee accommodations budget to avoid the unintentional disincentive for a unit to employ someone with a disability, and to help streamline and expedite the accommodations process. Very few units are able to fund the full cost to accommodate an employee; currently, most units are asked to match a portion of the cost. EOA currently receives an annual budget of $75,000/year for accommodations, bringing the total university commitment to approximately $150,000/year.

Lead: Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA)