This is an archived page that describes a project from 2014-2017. It has been superseded by the Digital Accessibility program.

Description of the Project

This project will implement policies, procedures, service modifications and documentation in support of accessibility capabilities and compliance for ICT equipment, systems and services on the CU-Boulder campus. This project will specifically implement those actions described in a resolution proposal document in response to addressing barriers to University services, programs and activities by students with disabilities, including students with vision impairments. The primary ICT services to be remediated include Google Apps, Digital Textbooks, Digital Signs, Portals, websites for homework and course-related content, and online placement and diagnostic exams. In the process of addressing these areas, other opportunities and actions may be pursued that support these objectives and benefit the campus. As they are identified, they will be reviewed for approval and incorporation into the project scope.

Who are the Clients and Customers?

CU-Boulder campus associates using supported ICT services and applications in a context that requires accommodation or accessibility services, features or capabilities including students with disabilities and faculty or instructors teaching courses that may have students with disabilities enrolled.

What are the Customer Benefits?

Enhanced ability of students with disabilities to utilize supported ICT services and applications on the CU-Boulder campus in fulfillment of academic pursuits. In addition, improved knowledge and understanding by faculty on appropriate uses of technology for teaching and available accommodations for disabled students; enhanced usability of supported ICT applications and services for all campus associates; increased and enhanced usage of supported ICT applications and services by all campus associates, including those with disabilities.

What is the Scope of this Project?

  • Creation of an ICT accessibility policy along with draft procedures, guidelines and best practices that demonstrate a commitment to accessibility at CU-Boulder. In addition to the hire or designation of an ICT Accessibilities Coordinator with responsibility to coordinate and provide additional ICT accessibility instructional support and training to faculty and staff; the hire of a Universal Design resource to support enhanced usability of services and applications; and finally communications of obligations to faculty and staff regarding ICT accessibility requirements and related training.
  • The integration of accessibility reviews into the portfolio, program and project processes, including vendor selection guidelines, in compliance with the ICT Accessibility Policy and pertinent state and federal laws and coordination with CU procurement services. In addition, this will incorporate a review of current and planned procurements of information technology services and applications to ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines. This process should address the complete service and application lifecycle including accessibility compliance and assessments during the post-implementation, maintenance and renewal phases to address updates, revisions and replacements to installed ICT applications and services.
  • Development of strategies and plans in support of priorities for making ICT accessible, performing testing of ICT accessibility and ensuring enhanced student communications regarding requests for accessibility related to ICT services.
  • Specific remediation for multiple ICT services including the design, development, testing, delivery, support, and communications of accessibility functionality, documentation and capabilities in support of the following applications and services: Google applications, digital textbooks, digital signs, portal environments for students, staff and faculty, including myCUinfo; websites for homework and course related content including Desire2Learn, McGraw-Hill Campus, Open Learning Initiative (OLI) – Carnegie Mellon, Kaltura, Turnitin, VoiceThread, ITunesU, and Qualtrics; online placement and diagnostic exams; campus telephony and communications; and emergency communications services.

What is the Criteria for Project Success?

Successfully providing scheduled deliverables and meeting target completion and progress dates per the resolution proposal, in addition to the implementation of a broad and effective accessibility support, services and communications program and solutions that demonstrate the commitment to accessibility at the CU Boulder campus. For additional information, the complete project charter is available upon request, which contains additional details concerning this initiative, including constraints, assumptions, dependencies, schedule, costs, and resources.