1.Purpose

UNC Greensboro 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.

2.Scope

Creating an accessible information and communication technology environment is the responsibility of all University administrators, faculty, and staff. This policy applies to the University’s information and communication technology resources and includes their procurement, development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance.

3.Definitions and Roles and Responsibilities

3.1Definitions

3.1.1

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Resources: “ICT Resources” are any electronic resources used for instruction, information distribution, or communication. ICT resources cover academic, student, and employee-based information as well as information intended for the general public. Examples of ICT resources within the scope of this policy include but are not limited to:

  • Websites
  • Desktop, mobile, and cloud-based applications
  • Video and audio content
  • Electronic documents
  • Learning management systems and other instructional systems
  • Online textbooks and other online materials for both online and face-to-face courses
  • Online events
  • Email and calendars
  • Library resources
  • Social media
  • Classroom technologies

3.1.2

Accessibility Guidelines: The University has adopted as guidelines the United States Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s (United States Access Board) Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards, which includes the W3C WAI Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 Level AA.

3.1.3

Accessibility: “Accessibility” refers to the University’s objective that ICT resources that can be equally accessed and used by individuals with disabilities.

3.2Roles and Responsibilities

3.2.1

Web Accessibility Coordinator: The “Web Accessibility Coordinator” is the UNCG employee designated to facilitate and oversee the administration and regular review of this policy and its supporting documents. The Web Accessibility Coordinator is responsible for accepting and reviewing complaints regarding accessibility of UNCG ICT resources, notifying responsible parties of issues with the accessibility of their ICT resources, and monitoring the resolution of such issues.

4.Policy

4.1

UNC Greensboro provides reasonable access to its educational services, programs, and activities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and North Carolina state law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 168A-7). Accordingly, University faculty and staff are expected to comply with this policy and the more detailed instructions and procedures outlined in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility Procedures (“ICT Procedures”).

4.2Accessibility Guidelines

University web pages and online instructional material should comply with the Accessibility Guidelines or a reasonable accommodation must be offered.

4.2.1

UNC Greensboro faculty and staff responsible for designing, developing, or maintaining ICT Resources should ensure the resources comply with the Accessibility Guidelines.

4.2.2

UNC Greensboro faculty and staff purchasing ICT Resources must follow the process outlined in UNCG Purchasing Policies 4.3 Purchasing Solicitation of Bids and Quotation for purchases over $5,000. Purchases under $5,000 and free-to-use products should use the ICT Accessibility Checklist in the selection process in order to ensure compliance with the Accessibility Guidelines.

4.2.3

UNC Greensboro faculty and staff selecting ICT Resources, including textbooks or other instructional tools that students will use, should ensure that resources comply with the Accessibility Guidelines.

4.2.4

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

5.Reporting

Any person experiencing issues accessing an ICT Resource should contact the Web Accessibility Coordinator. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations should contact the offices listed below. All accommodations required by law will be provided. Examples may include providing alternative formats, auxiliary aids, and/or making other adjustments.

  • Office of Accessibility Resources & Services (OARS) (students and members of the public)
  • Human Resources, EEO and Affirmative Action (faculty and staff)

6.Accountability and Corrective Measures

6.1

The Web Accessibility Coordinator is responsible for notifying responsible parties of issues with the accessibility of their ICT Resources and monitoring the resolution of these issues.

6.2

If the Web Accessibility Coordinator becomes aware of accessibility issues relating to a particular ICT Resource, they will notify the relevant university employees who must promptly consult with the Web Accessibility Coordinator to address the concern.

6.3

If appropriate action is not taken, the issue will be reported to the responsible department chair or unit leader and may also be referred to the leadership of the college, school, or division, and to other University officials as needed. If the issue remains unresolved, the ICT resource should be removed from the University’s web environment.

7.Additional Information

7.2Resources

  • UNC Greensboro has developed an online resource for faculty, staff, and students that will assist in promoting the accessibility of ICT Resources maintained by University colleges, departments, programs, and units. This information can be found at UNC Greensboro’s ICT (Web) Accessibility Resources website.

7.3Approval Authority

Chancellor

7.4Contacts for Additional Information and Reporting

7.4.1Policy Owners

  • Responsible Administrator: Web Accessibility Coordinator, [email protected], 336-315-7715
  • Responsible Executive: Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

7.4.2Other Contacts

Revisions

Revision Date Revision Summary
07/18/2005 Approved as the Web Accessibility Policy by the Chancellor
05/15/2010 Revised; Approved by the Chancellor
08/08/2013 Revised; Approved by the Chancellor
10/24/2019 Revisions included changing the name of the policy from the "Web Accessibility Policy" to the "Information Communication Technology Policy" in order to expand the scope of content falling under its purview. Additional revisions included updating the University's expectations and framework for information communication technology accessibility.

- Information Communication Technology Accessibility. Retrieved 10/12/2024. Official version at https://policy.uncg.edu/university_policies/information-communication-technology-accessibility/. Copyright © 2024 The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.