Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byEthel Lucas Modified over 7 years ago
1
Best Practices in EIT Accessibility Ensuring Accessible Websites, Course Materials, and More
Korey Singleton George Mason University Bisi Ladeji Okubadejo Ballard Spahr LLP © All rights reserved
2
Agenda What is the issue? What is EIT “in-accessibility”?
How does this fit in with Section 504 and the ADA? What does the government look for during an accessibility review? How have schools addressed the issue? The GMU model What are some best practices? What are recommended first steps an institution should take to address EIT accessibility?
3
Understanding Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) “In-accessibility”
4
What We Know... Increasing numbers of students with disabilities entering IHE Greater implementation of online/e-learning technologies in higher education classrooms (online and F2F) Growth in distance education offerings by IHE Growing number of legal challenges/findings against IHE by individuals with sensory impairments (visual and/or hearing loss)
5
Common Issues Inaccessible LMS’ and supplemental applications
Alternative texts (textbooks) Document accessibility (Word, PPT, PDFs) Captioning for videos Inaccessible library resources (databases, search, print resources) Additional classroom resources (e.g., iClicker, podiums) Inaccessible university websites/web resources ATMs Access to auxiliary offices (financial aid, registrar)
6
What exactly does EIT Accessibility ‘look’ like?
- What is Assistive Technology? - Demos and Examples (Documents, Videos,Websites, and Web-based applications)
7
Types of Impairment and Assistive Technology
9/26/2017 Types of Impairment and Assistive Technology Sensory (Loss of vision, hearing, or both) Screen readers and refreshable braille devices for people who are bling or have other print disabilities Open or closed captioning for people who are deaf Learning/Cognitive Organizations, readability Physical Alternatives input tools, such as speech-to-text software, for people who cannot use a computer mouse Notes I have listed 3 classifications here..,while there’s certainly a great deal of variation that exists under these 3 classifications, they do broadly cover much of what we are discussing here today. When we discuss inaccessible EIT, make no mistake that 99% of the discussion (from a legal standpoint) centers around equivalent access for individuals with some degree of vision and/or hearing loss...Now, there’s only one case that I can think of which actually involved individuals with learning impairments (that was UC Berkeley and involved more timely access to printed materials in alternative formats like Braille, audio, or large print)... So, if we move beyond thinking about the discussion in terms of disability and more about the types of assistive technology that an individual uses in order to access a computer, things start to make a bit more sense. How instructional materials and/or our electronic resources are designed play a significant role in one’s ability to access information or participate in the programs or services that we offer... If I am blind, I need a screen reader to access a computer and to read electronic documents If I am deaf or hard of hearing, I need captions and transcripts for audio and video If I have a learning impairment, I benefit from information being presented in a consistent manner and chunked so as to allow me an easier time processing that information If I have a physical impairment which impacts my ability to use a mouse or a keyboard, I also benefit from how a document or website is structured since I too would require an alternative means for accessing a computer.
8
Anatomy of an Accessible Document
Document courtesy of Portland Community College: 0
9
Jaws Screen Reader Demo
E.g., Navigating a Word Document (a screen reader user’s perspective) Video courtesy of High Tech Center at Taft College:
10
Before and After Demo - Websites
E.g., Improving a website using Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0,
11
Understanding Web Accessibility
E.g., Labeling Images/Graphics Graphics should have meaningful labels: Ex: “Photo of Secretary of Education Arne Duncan reading to children at Central Elementary School.” Not: “Photo” The labels can be visible to everyone, or they can be hidden in the programming of the web page. Designer’s choice!
12
Understanding Web Accessibility
E.g., Color Contrast Meaningful information should be conveyed through more than just color. For example, individuals unable to identify color would not know which fields were required. A simple fix would be to add an asterisk(*) next to the required fields.
13
Understanding Web Accessibility
E.g., Keyboard Navigation Users should be able to “tab” through the page and get to all information and functions. Pages should not require users to manipulate a mouse for navigation.
14
Web-based Tools – Library Databases (Full-text HTML, ReadSpeaker)
Ability to translate text Downloadable mp3 file Also available as separate PDF Built-in text-to-speech capability Text Highlighting
15
Web-based Tools – Films on Demand (Captions and Transcripts)
Interactive Transcript Captions Searchable Video Content
16
Accessible Video Player: OzPlayer
All controls accessible via keyboard Synchronizedaaudio description Accurate, synchronized Captions Interactive Video Transcript
17
Legal Requirements - Sect. 504 and ADA
18
Legal Requirements Applicable laws:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act The Americans with Disabilities Act Qualified individuals with disabilities must receive equal access to all of a recipient’s programs, services, and activities.
19
Legal Requirements What is “equal access”?
OCR’s guidance on emerging technology sets the standard. “Receive all the educational benefits provided by the technology in an equally effective and equally integrated manner” Must be able to: Acquire the same information, Engage in the same interactions, and Enjoy the same services.
20
Legal Requirements Separate offline access?
“An agency with an inaccessible website may also meet its legal obligations by providing an alternative accessible way for citizens to use the programs or services, such as a staffed telephone information line. These alternatives, however, are unlikely to provide an equal degree of access in terms of hours of operation and the range of options and programs available. For example, job announcements and application forms, if posted on accessible website, would be available to people with disabilities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” U.S. Department of Justice’s “Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities.” (Available at
21
Legal Requirements Regulations
Under Section 504 and Title II, recipients and public entities must ensure that qualified persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in the entities’ programs, services, and activities.
22
Legal Requirements Fundamental Alteration Defense
Covered entities do not have to do anything that would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or service they are providing. Ex: U.S. Geological Survey’s topographic maps cannot be reduced to words to make them accessible to people who use screen readers. The very essence of their “mapness” would be destroyed in the process.
23
Legal Requirements Undue burden defense
Covered entities do not have to do anything that would impose an undue administrative or financial burden. Ex: It might be an undue burden for a small college to try to meet a blind student’s last-minute request to provide audio-description for an online student film festival. Note: The administrative requirements apply to “undue burden” and “fundamental alteration” here as throughout Section 504 and Title II.
24
Legal Requirements Websites v. distance learning
Distance learning: the technology supporting “live” courses should be designed to be adaptable (no need to actually provide real-time captioning, if there’s no student who needs captioning currently enrolled, but educators should be ready to do so if a student with disability joins the class). Websites: all websites should be designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The intersection of websites and distance learning: if an archived course is available online upon demand, then it should be captioned before posting – or the educator should be ready to provide another means of effective communication.
25
Useful Guidelines - WCAG 2.0 and Sect. 508
26
Useful Guidelines Useful guidelines for web accessibility
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended in 1998
27
Useful Guidelines WCAG 2.0 Guidelines
Web accessibility initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium “W3C” Public/private consortium, world-wide, of academics, governments, technology industry, and user groups Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Optional for all web developers, including governmental entities Especially: “Evaluating Accessibility”
28
Useful Guidelines Section 508 Only Applies Directly to the Federal Government Federal agencies must comply with the Section 508 standards Others may use the Section 508 standards as guidance, but are not subject to Section 508 itself (except under some state laws) Important: Section 508 does NOT “follow the money” like Section 504. Section 508 Resources:
29
Governmental Review - Compliance reviews - Best Practices
30
Governmental Review University of Cincinnati compliance review
Youngstown State University compliance review University of Phoenix EdX UC Berkeley
31
Best Practices in EITA in Higher Education
Institutions Referenced Best Practices in EITA CU-Boulder (2015) Harvard/MIT (2015) – Open EdX (2015) Univ. of Phoenix (2015) Miami-Ohio (2014/2015) – Open Univ. of Cincinnati (2014) Univ. of Montana (2014) Youngstown State (2014) Louisiana Tech (2013) SCTCS (2013) Penn St (2011) List below based on compilation of findings from voluntary reviews/resolved/settled EITA cases Establish/update Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Policy Establish/update EITA Grievance/Remediation Process Establish/update Procedures for Procurement Establish EIT Accessibility Training Establish Accessibility Web Portal/Website Hire EIT Accessibility Staff Establish Process for Monitoring EITA Issues EIT Accessibility Audit... Institution-specific resolutions (e.g., monetary compensation, department-specific applications/websites, establish non-discrimination policies)
32
Best Practices in EITA – What’s Covered?
Classroom-Specific Campus-Specific LMS (e.g., Moodle, Bb) Supplemental Applications (e.g., Pearson MyLabs) Provision of accessible/alternative text (e.g., braille, timeliness of delivery) Document accessibility (i.e., Word, PDF) Library databases/services Other (e.g., iClickers, podiums, etc.) Video accessibility (i.e., captions, video player) Web accessibility (e.g., videos, images, documents) Other (e.g., ATMs, kiosks, etc.)
33
- Policy & Procurement, IT Accessibility Working Group
The GMU Model - Policy & Procurement, IT Accessibility Working Group
34
ATI Staff & Reporting Structure
University President VP, CDE Associate Director/ADA Coordinator, CDE ATI Manager IT Accessibility Coordinator Program Support Specialist Acc Media Coordinator Accessible Media Specialist Student Worker(s) ATI operates under Compliance, Diversity, and Ethics Office Reports up through ADA Coordinator to VP for CDE, who reports directly to University President More information about us available at Presentation: ATI Office consists of an Accessible Media Coordinator, an IT Accessibility Coordinator, an Accessible Media Specialist, a Program Support Specialist, and a student worker. Those positions report to the ATI Manager, who reports to the ADA Coordinator in the Compliance, Diversity, and Ethics office. The VP for Compliance, Diversity, and Ethics reports directly to the President.
35
Accessibility@Mason: A Collaborative Partnership
CDE DS Students w/ Disabilities Employees w/ Disabilities EIT Accessibility & Compliance
36
Comparing Mason… National cases had Mason equivalents!
MyLabs and other supplemental applications Captioning Inaccessible websites/web-based documents DE courses Communication breakdowns Purchasing/procurement issues University’s IT infrastructure was changing Shift away from ‘siloed’ delivery model Enterprise systems overhauled/updated Staffing changes
37
IT Accessibility Working Group (ITAG)
Established in/met throughout Spring 2013 and Spring 2014 Stakeholders from Library, UL, ITS, CTFE, DE, Legal, Academic Depts., and CDE Issues and challenges centered on addressing needs of students with sensory impairments At the time (Fall 2012), we had 81 total students with sensory impairments…included 8 incoming blind students (both grad and undergrad) and that total was almost 50/50 in terms of the number of students with vision and/or hearing loss Why focus on sensory impairments? Information available on our website:
38
Issues Identified by ITAG
Accessibility vs. Accommodation (Medical Model) JIT (Adjuncts) vs. Development Time/Staffing/Costs Inconsistency within and across programs Compliance/Enforcement Costs E-Learning Technology Legal Issues Non-Inclusive Practices/Awareness Procurement JIT vs. Development (Training resources) Time/Staffing (What can we as an office do and what can’t we do? Similarly, what can faculty/academic units do and what can’t they do?) Inconsistency (Champions in some areas, but not consistent across units)
39
High Priority/High Impact Recommendations
Improving Student Access in the Classroom Provost’s Letter Established Baseline Design Considerations (captioning, accessible document design) Accessibility reviews for DE courses Improved communications/collaboration Training with Academic Units/Depts./Instructional Designers Accessibility testing of e-learning and IT resources Improving Web Accessibility/Procurement ASRB Changes/Updates Prioritization of websites for accessibility testing Structural Improvements Video management platform Staffing for document accessibility support
40
HP/HI Recommendations In Practice
Communication/Collaboration Policy Updates For the purposes of this presentation, I have reordered the high-impact/high priority recommendations under what we specifically implemented to address communication/collaboration gaps, EIT policy updates, training resources, structural improvements, and workflow updates.
41
Improving Communication and Collaboration
Top-down Approach Provost’s letter Meetings with Deans/Directors Identified Accessibility Liaisons for each College/School Emphasis on Strategic Partnerships (Choke Points) Joint meetings with faculty members that will have a student with a sensory impairment in their courses (ATI/Disability Services) Collaboration with Office of Digital Learning Accessibility training provided for Academic Units c/o Instructional Designers (IDs) Course Portfolio Accessibility Reviews [Pilot Tested – May 2015] Collaboration with Library (AT Labs, e-Reserves, Captioning, Procurement) Accessibility Coordinator position established Streaming Media Policy “Choke Points”…in other words, we are a small office so where can we have maximum impact??
42
EIT Policy Updates Policy 1307 – Procurement and/or Development of Administrative Systems/Applications Updated in 2012 to reference the Architecture Standards Committee Architectural Standards Review Board ASRB reviews all technology purchases Policy 1308 – Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Updated April 2014 Expanded definition for “electronic and information technology” and whom it applies to Roles and Responsibilities Findings and Recommendations from IT Accessibility Working Group Architecture Standards Committee: The ASC is responsible for the review and approval of administrative systems/applications in advance of purchase or development, regardless of cost or purchase price. This review will encompass the following items: a) ensure compatibility with the current suite of administrative applications, b) verify compliance with technical architecture and standards, c) verify compliance with federal, state and university policies, and d) ensure no duplication of existing administrative systems/applications exists. Policy 1308 Definitions - Specifically took definitions language from legal settlements
43
Architecture Standards Review Board
The ASRB is under the Architecture Standards Committee (ASC) and is responsible only for approving the beginning of a given project. Initial review includes an accessibility review by ATI and any other reviews (e.g., IT security, cloud computing, integration, etc.) necessary. At the ASRB’s discretion, changes may be required before approving a project. Projects under the purview…include all requests for new development, installation and/or integration of applications at GMU…includes activities from internal ITS, Mason University offices, mobile apps developed by university faculty and staff, and all software produced by 3rd party vendors and consultants including pilot projects…committee will not review upgrades, bug fixes, and incremental improvements to existing programs. ATI provides a risk analysis and recommendations for Mason purchaser. Mason purchaser – meaning the individual/department making the purchase at GMU
44
Purchasing Contract Language
Worked with Purchasing, ITS, and Legal to include accessibility language on all purchasing contracts, including eVA purchasing agreements. Sample purchasing agreement language - Added protection for technology purchases that are not reviewed for accessibility.
45
Definitions Matter (Our EITA Policy)…
Lifted the definitions from Penn St. Settlement… Accessibility – “…individuals with disabilities are able to independently acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services within the same timeframe as individuals without disabilities…” Electronic and Information Technology – “…. electronic and information technology includes, but is not limited to, the internet and intranet websites, content delivered in digital form, electronic books and electronic book reading systems, search engines and databases, learning management systems, classroom technology and multimedia, personal response systems(“clickers”), and office equipment such as classroom podiums, copiers and fax machines…” Should it be...General vs. Specific? What technology is covered???
46
HP/HI Recommendations In Practice
Training Resource Updates For the purposes of this presentation, I have reordered the high-impact/high priority recommendations under what we specifically implemented to address communication/collaboration gaps, EIT policy updates, training resources, structural improvements, and workflow updates.
47
Baseline Design Considerations for Accessible IT Resources
Visual: Provide alternative text descriptions for all meaningful graphics (images, charts, graphs, SmartArt, objects) Provide descriptions for videos where visual content is important to understanding subject matter. Use styles in Office documents, headers and other markup for webpages Choose applications that support keyboard navigation and are compatible with screen readers Hearing: Provide captions for all videos For audio, provide transcripts Cognitive, Neurological: Use consistent navigation, tab order, appropriate language level Again, we had to decide what would have maximum impact. We cannot do everything, but we can make choices that get us further down the road.
48
Guide to Creating Accessible Electronic Materials
JIT training resource provides faculty/staff with step-by-step instructions on ensuring that their electronic documents/videos are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
49
Sample #1 – GOALS Document
50
Sample #2 – ATI Created
51
Updated ATI Website Usability-group tested Easier navigation
Video training library to go along with JIT training guide Streamlined service request process Captioning and Audio Description Website and Applications Testing Reporting Issues
52
Video Training Library
53
Streamlined Services Request Process
54
HP/HI Recommendations In Practice
Structural Improvements/Workflow Updates (Captioning, Web Accessibility, Document Accessibility, Distance Education) What the numbers show For the purposes of this presentation, I have reordered the high-impact/high priority recommendations under what we specifically implemented to address communication/collaboration gaps, EIT policy updates, training resources, structural improvements, and workflow updates.
55
Captioning and Transcription
56
Captioning Workflow - Kaltura Pilot
ITU purchased and implemented Kaltura video management platform during Spring/Sum 2014…full implementation Fall 2014/Spring 2015 Solved a number of captioning issues Easy process for addressing last-minute requests Standardized video management process RFP for captioning/transcription vendors with Kaltura partnerships Streamlined workflows/timelines/costs Allowed for scalability Integrates with LMS
57
Cqptioning Specific Updates
Updated Request Form/Submission Process Faculty/Staff have 2 ways to submit requests Single Submission and/or Bulk Request Form Responsibility Acknowledgement Faculty/Staff Videos will be used for at least one year Transcripts/Captioned files are the property of GMU Will receive transcript (.txt) ATI Transcript will be completed to at least 98% accuracy No editing of transcripts unless egregious errors are identified RFP/IFB for new captioning vendors FY14 (RFP): Secured 2 vendors FY15 (IFB): Secured 4 vendors Disability Services (Accommodations) Deaf/HOH Coordinator populates a semester listing of D/HOH students & their enrolled classes Allows us to directly target faculty teaching those courses
58
What the numbers show… Completed AccMedia Requests from FY12-FY15
FY15 (so far) – 1197 Scalability and reduce per-minute costs captioning/transcription costs each year.
59
Compliance Breakdown vs. Accommodation
60
Video Breakdown per Academic Unit
61
How files are delivered
62
How files are delivered (By FY)
63
How files are delivered (FY Trendlines)
64
Who’s Using the Service?
Over 180 faculty/staff members have made requests Top 3 Schools/Colleges/Units making requests Volgenau School of Engineering College of Humanities and Social Sciences College of Science Reasons for Request Compliance for DE Course – 72% Compliance for F2F Course – 0.7% Compliance for Websites – 4.4% Disability Accommodation – 23% Top 3 & Reasons for Request – Allow for directed marketing approaches
65
Web and Applications Testing
66
Website and Applications Testing
University Web Audit (FY14) to prepare for new WMCS Provided accessibility reviews, which were included in University’s web audit Reviewed Priority 1 and Priority 2 websites (over 110 websites) P1: Academics, Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Health, Housing, Visitors, HR P2: Individual College and School websites Page scans 5 levels deep, up to 100 pages Reports provided to Web Developer ASRB, Online request process really opened the door…
67
Website and Applications Testing (2)
University recently selected new WCMS (Drupal) to update web presence and standardize branding Currently working with ITS and C&M on incorporating accessibility into design process Prior to new website going live, accessibility reviews are conducted Most websites are still in same situation that videos were in a few years ago… A few different WCMS’ in place (CommonSpot, WordPress) CommonSpot is being discontinued ATI worked with ITS to review accessibility of WordPress templates that are being used Very few developers use their own WSYIWIG (e.g., Dreamweaver, Nvu) We are properly positioned for growth once WCMS is standardized in the next 2-3 years.
68
Website and Applications Testing Process
Web Accessibility Testing Process Automated testing using OzArt (AccessibilityOz), WAVE (Chrome), Colour Contrast Analyzer (Paciello) Manual testing in-house using Jaws/NVDA, keyboard navigation, other AT applications (as needed) P1 & P2 websites reviewed quarterly Direct requests fielded through ATI website and ASRB ASRB, Online request process really opened the door…
69
What the numbers show… Numbers reflect growth in the following:
ASRB Reviews Application reviews outside of the ASRB process (e.g., classroom) Website Reviews (automated) FY 16 a bit inflated...Spring 2016 (P3 reviews) Website Reviews (manual) FY14 – Increase due to University Web Audit FY15 -
70
Document Accessibility Reviews
71
Document Accessibility Pilot (Fall 2014)
Why Faculty members still struggling with what we are asking of them Pilot Working with four faculty members and 1 ID who are currently developing a DE course Evaluated what our office could handle and what we could not Tools used… ABBYY Recognition Server 4.0 (PDFs and Image) CommonLook Office (Word and PPT) Goal Establish a scalable process that will support faculty members who have blind students in their courses. Build toward supporting DE.
72
Document Accessibility Pilot – Results
Faculty/Staff Participants: 5 Documents Reviewed: 87 ID #1 (1 PDF, 1 Word*) = 2 Fac #1 (6 PDF) = 6 ID #2 (3 PDF, 3 Word, 1 PPT) = 7 Fac #2 (1 Word, 11 PPT) = 12 Fac #3 (17 PDF, 34 Word, 5 PPT, 2 XLS) = 58 By Document Type: PDF (27), Word (39), PPT (16), Excel (2) Total # of pages reviewed: 1,121 * – Word encompasses .docx, .doc, .rtf, and .txt file types., PPT encompasses .ppt and .pptx. Excel encompasses .xls and .xlsx.
73
Document Accessibility Pilot - Takeaways
What we learned? Streamlined internal document accessibility process Documents captured via SharePoint Doc Library Reviewed primarily with CommonLook Office Professional Still have some bugs to work out (e.g., alt text, final outputs, docs vs. images) Great deal of variation in types of documents used Better positioned to focus on accommodation at this time Now offering service to faculty members that have a blind student enrolled in their courses. Spring blind student, 4 courses along with orientation materials, We’ve remediated 56 documents (over 1900 pages, not including textbooks)
74
Additional Findings Helped us create a checklist:
Forced us to look deeper into Document Accessibility Standardized Document Review Process within the office Determined best practices 3rd–party applications: MyLabs, McGraw Hill, Cengage Laid groundwork for DE Pilot
75
DE Course Portfolio Reviews
76
Sample – ATI Course Accessibility Checklist
Includes a review of the following areas: Syllabus and Course Readings Bb Learn Word PPT PDF Multimedia Supplemental Applications
77
Sample – ATI Course Evaluation Document
Includes the following: Priority Recommendations and Resources Understanding the Review Process (i.e., testing tools used and process) Findings
78
Pilot Project (Open-Call) Results cont.…
Issue Identified Course #1 Course #2 Course #3 Course #4 Course #5 Course #6 PPT inaccessible X Word inaccessible Videos not captioned and/or transcribed Video platform inaccessible Bb Course Structure Improper hyperlink text Supplemental app/website Developed DE Course Accessibility Checklist – Standardized how we reviewed courses
79
Pilot Project (DE Supported) Results cont.…
Issue Identified Course #1 Course #2 Course #3 Course #4 Course #5 Course #6 Course #7 PPT inaccessible X Word inaccessible PDF Inaccessible Videos not captioned and/or transcribed Video platform inaccessible Bb Course Structure Improper hyperlink text Supplemental app/website Developed DE Course Accessibility Checklist – Standardized how we reviewed courses
80
Pilot Project Results Results Issues Identified!
Success!! Very well-received by faculty and DE Staff. Asked to participate in the larger Course Portfolio Review Process Revenue generator! Developed DE Course Accessibility Checklist Prioritized findings (Action Items) Issues Identified! Open Call vs. DE supported courses Scalability Developed DE Course Accessibility Checklist – Standardized how we reviewed courses
81
Evolution since Pilot Project…
We’ve been integrated into the Office of Digital Learning’s Standard Course Portfolio Review Process We have reviewed over 50 courses since the pilot! Improved integration! Accessibility is now a part of the marketing process for online instruction Inclusion in updated workflows
82
Getting Started!
83
Recommended First Steps
Identify your team Develop/update accessibility and procurement policies To Audit or not to Audit… Evaluate website and EIT Prioritize remediation Publish a grievance process
84
Contact Information Bisi Okubadejo, Assistive Technology Initiative, George Mason University,
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.