Introduction
The Digital Access Roadmap proposes measurable outcomes for campuswide adoption of Inclusive Design and Universal Design for Learning as the institutional framework for digital content development and compliance with digital accessibility requirements by following Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0/2.1 Level AA (WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA).
At Iowa State University, we are committed to promoting a “born accessible” mindset that integrates accessibility in the development of digital content. Leading this effort, the Digital Accessibility Coordinator provides guidance, support and consultation to campus stakeholders. The Digital Access Roadmap 2.0 is the first revision of the roadmap that was first published in 2016. It confirms the institutional commitment to campus wide collaboration and the establishment of institutional best practices for digital accessibility. The Roadmap 2.0 corroborates our vision and updates proposed outcomes, activities, timelines, and roles university community members have in providing digital access for all.
Legal Aspects
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, as well as the Iowa Civil Rights Act, require equality for persons with disabilities. In January 18, 2018, the United States Access Board published a new rule to update requirements for technical specifications related to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Iowa State University adopted WCAG 2.0 AA as the standards that encompass those published in the new 508 rule, act as the “de facto” standards cited in relevant legal precedent, and provide effective reference for a wide variety of situations (stakeholders, types of content, etc.). In May 2018, WCAG 2.1 was released.
University Community Stakeholders
Developers
In-depth assessments conducted throughout the past year resulted in identification of finer distinctions between various faculty and staff roles. That is, we obtained evidence of different sets of needs among web developers (hard coders, content management developers, and others), content editors (content management systems’ managers and editors), learning management systems’ developers, instructional content creators/editors, vendors, and others. The differences between these are a result of factors such as type of content, audience/end users, level of expertise, and others. The Digital Accessibility Lab, through various educational efforts, strives to address these needs and customizes training for a variety of learners.
End Users
Students are end users of most of our digital content and systems. Many of our solutions are also used by employees and staff.
Since national demographic trends point at an increase in population segments that could require digital content to be accessible in various formats and degrees, digital accessibility initiatives remain critical to our institution’s day-to-day. Such concern is also corroborated in the institutional strategic plan.
Among students, requests for accommodations at ISU have more than doubled in the last 10 years. This trend is predicted to continue. Furthermore, our international enrollment (11%), points at the need to also create digital content that addresses the needs of English language learners.
Along with the trends in student population, we have growing numbers of staff and faculty whose digital content use requires digital accessibility as integral to the solutions they use on a daily basis.
Plan of Operation
|
Outcomes |
Activities |
Assessment |
|---|---|---|
|
Continue to increase campus wide awareness about Digital Accessibility (DA) |
Promotional and educational events and activities Dissemination of “Accessibility in Mind” vision |
Annual Report of Activities (including supporting documentation of need, fit and results) included within the Information Technology Services Annual Report. |
|
Increased campus wide understanding and adoption of born-accessible methods and WCAG 2.1 Level AA Standards |
Education events and activities Dissemination and updates of guidelines and educational materials and events |
At least three development teams integrating accessibility in their development as documented by the Digital Accessibility Lab. |
|
Increased understanding of DA legal requirements |
Education and training activities and events |
At least one event per semester |
|
Increased DA reviews and remediation of legacy content |
Education Reviews |
At least ten (10) reviews and corresponding remediation plans as documented by the Digital Accessibility Lab. |
|
Growing membership in digital access community |
Sustained periodic communication and interaction |
Data on active member list, activities |
|
Continuous updates in institutional best practices |
Testing/vetting Continuously updated Website |
Website updates and traffic data |
|
DA policy |
Policy adoption |
All of the above |
Development
All educational events and many one-on-one visits and consultations throughout the past year have included information and guidance about the need for digital content that is “born accessible.”
Remediation
An inventory of IASTATE domain websites has been created. During a second phase, more detailed information will be gathered to aid in the process of identifying needs in training, auditing or remediating content. During a third phase the digital accessibility lab will share audits and remediation measures for prioritized university-sanctioned websites.
Monitoring
The Digital Accessibility Lab will continue to provide guidance, training and consultation to create unit-level plans to address monitoring efforts.
Partnership with web development teams has aided in identifying viable testing and development solutions. A project to better inform web development workflows is ongoing.
Procurement
Major procurement processes, such as the request for proposal for a learning management system, have included digital accessibility requirements. Procurement processes at the regents’ institutions level have also been informed by ISU’s Digital Accessibility Lab. Moreover, the Digital Accessibility Lab has established ongoing partnerships intended to increase accessibility in existing vendor-provided solutions.
Digital Access Activities
The Digital Accessibility Lab will continue to operate guided by the following major activities:
- Assess Needs, Raise Awareness & Educate
- Plan, Develop, Implement
- Monitor, Assess, Provide Recommendations