Access Policies
What everyone should know
University policy requires that websites maintain compliance with the Federal and State legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended), including Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Virginia’s IT Access Act, and Virginia Tech's IT Accessibility Policy 7215. This section lists the benefits of creating accessible content using these accessibility standards and guidelines including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA as well as the benefits of assistive technologies.
What does accessible mean in this context?
Accessibility is shaped by what we need to do, our interactions with the environment, and our personal preferences. Educational materials and technologies are “accessible” to people with disabilities if they are able to “acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services” as people who do not have disabilities. A person with a disability must be able to achieve these three goals “in an equally integrated and equally effective manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use” (Joint Letter US Department of Justice and US Department of Education, June 29, 2010).
Accessibility is a simple concept in theory, but it can be complicated in practice. What is accessible to someone with a visual disability is not necessarily accessible to someone with a learning disability.
Source: National Center on Accessible Educational Materials
What university policy addresses the accessibility of websites and web-based applications?
The university policies controlling websites and information technology (IT) include the acceptable use and administration of computer and communication systems, security, privacy, anti-discrimination (or equal opportunity), and the usage of the university name. In addition, University Policy No. 7215: Information Technology Accessibility (PDF), addresses the accessibility of websites and web applications.
This accessibility policy was established to ensure the Virginia Tech community has equal access to resources through the application of accessibility standards, guidelines, training, tools, and methods consistent with best practices.
University Policy No. 7215 applies to the procurement, development, and maintenance of electronic and information technology (EIT), including electronic content, functional performance, technical requirements for hardware and software, and user support services. Colleges, departments, auxiliaries, research, and administrative entities must adhere to this policy.
Why accessible websites are needed
Census statistics, as of 2010, estimate that about one in five people in the U.S. has a disability and that this number will increase as the current population ages. For many people with a disability, using the internet and the World Wide Web (web) depends on an accessible web presence and/or support for a wide range of technologies. In addition to desktop or portable computers, technologies may include a touch screen, digitizing tablet, iPod, smartphone, smartwatch, or interactive whiteboard. These technologies may also include adaptive or assistive technologies for people with disabilities.
The power of the web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect. - Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web
Virginia Tech standards and guidelines established by university policies reflect the best practices within higher education for achieving access to information technology and the Web by persons with disabilities. In addition, university policy aims to provide this opportunity in a setting that fosters independence and meets the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Benefits of an accessible website
Providing students, employees, and the general public with equal access to the programs and services of the university helps protect the rights of all individuals, including people with disabilities. Accessible websites and information technology are strategic in the university's campaign to advance teaching and learning, expand research and outreach, and improve administrative systems at Virginia Tech.
Accessible web design and content will generate goodwill for Virginia Tech and reduce complaints by individuals about the usability and accessibility of websites. Additionally, Virginia Tech will avoid the adverse publicity and legal costs incurred by universities that do not provide accessible web design or equivalent access for the disabled.
Accessibly designed content will attract more of the targeted audience through better comprehension, ease of use, and navigation. Web accessibility does not mean that a website must be boring or void of rich media content; instead, accessible websites should give users more choices for using their abilities and sensory modes.
Website development and maintenance costs should decrease over time due to standardizing websites. Additionally, implementing accessibility standards will better prepare websites for future technologies.
To summarize, the positive impact of accessible websites will advance the university's goals for learning, teaching, research, and outreach, as well as enhance Virginia Tech's standing as a world-class university.
What are Assistive Technologies? How are they used on the web?
For years, people with disabilities have used assistive technologies to maintain, enable, or increase their opportunities for learning, teaching, working, and recreation. This experience holds true when accessing the web. For people without disabilities, assistive technologies make things easier; for individuals with disabilities, using assistive technologies makes things possible!
University access policies, which are aligned with Section 508, other legal requirements, and WCAG guidelines recognize the benefits of assistive technologies on the web. Accessible web design will ensure that a website is usable by people with disabilities when they are using assistive technologies.
Examples of assistive technologies include:
screen magnification
contrast, and color filtering software for people with low vision
screen readers and refreshable Braille displays for people who are blind;
speech recognition and control for people with physical or learning disabilities who find it difficult to use a keyboard for input
other devices that assist people such as literacy tools with assistive reading or adaptive keyboards and mice.