Accessible Technology Initiative

Accessibility strengthens our campus community. It supports equal opportunity, removes barriers and creates learning and working environments where everyone can thrive.

For Students with Disabilities

Accessibility means easier access to online services and information. It helps students get course materials on time, including textbooks, videos and instructor-created content. It also improves access to the technology and equipment students need to succeed in school and campus life.

For All Students

Accessibility helps create a campus where all students can take part in classes and activities. Students may be able to serve as note takers through the Student Disability and Accessibility Center (SDAC).

As the university improves accessibility, some website changes may happen. Textbook information will be shared earlier, and more course materials — such as syllabi and handouts — will be available online to help students succeed.

For Faculty

Faculty help create inclusive classrooms. This means designing course materials that support all students.

Faculty should work with the Student Disability and Accessibility Center and the Center for Academic Technologies to meet assistive technology needs. They can also explore different ways for students with disabilities to meet course goals.

Before choosing new textbooks or course materials, faculty should check with the ATI Accessible Instructional Materials team to make sure the materials meet Section 508 accessibility standards.

For Administrators and Staff

Accessibility also helps create a welcoming and fair workplace. Administrators and staff support work environments where employees can grow and succeed.

University websites must follow best practices and meet Section 508 standards. Departments that manage websites outside the main university system are responsible for making sure their sites are accessible. IT Web Services provides training to help.

All new technology purchases, including hardware and software, are reviewed for Section 508 compliance before they are approved.

At Cal State Monterey Bay, we believe the web should be accessible to everyone. The Web Services team works to make sure all users have equal access to the university’s websites. Our goal is to create an online experience that reflects our values of inclusion and fairness.

Our website follows guidelines from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the California State University Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI). Under Executive Order 1111, all content published on university-managed websites, including csumb.edu, must meet accessibility standards. This includes web pages, videos, forms and attached documents.

Accessibility is a shared responsibility. Faculty and staff who publish content must ensure their materials can be used by people of all abilities. Training and support are available to help content creators build accessible and inclusive digital experiences.

Web Accessibility Support

The Web Services team leads planning and support for accessible web content across the university. The team helps make sure campus websites follow CSU policies and accessibility standards.

Web Services keeps up with changes in assistive technology tools and best practices. This helps ensure that campus websites and online services stay current and easy to use.

The team also hosts presentations and campus discussions to raise awareness about web accessibility. These efforts encourage learning, collaboration and shared responsibility for creating accessible digital experiences.

Improving Digital Accessibility

Cal State Monterey Bay continues to improve digital accessibility across campus. The university has updated its website framework to meet both CSU Accessible Technology Initiative standards and W3C Web Accessibility Initiative guidelines.

Clear guidelines help content editors create accessible web pages and documents. Regular meetings and reviews ensure the campus website stays up to date with changing standards and meets the needs of our community.

Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to making sure instructional materials are accessible to all students. Equal access to course content helps students succeed and supports our commitment to inclusive education.

For information about accommodations and Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM), visit the Student Disability and Accessibility Center (SDRC) and the Center for Academic Technologies (CAT).

Systemwide Guidance and Annual Review

The California State University Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) provides guidance for making instructional materials accessible. This guidance includes planning timelines, reporting requirements, FAQs, and helpful tools and resources.

Following ATI guidance and Executive Order 1111, Cal State Monterey Bay reviews and updates its Instructional Materials Accessibility Plan each year, or more often if needed. This helps the university continue to improve access for all students.

Building Accessible Learning Experiences

Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to making instructional materials accessible to all students. Our work is guided by four key values: support, planning, inclusion and accountability.

Students and faculty receive support through Student Disability Resources and the Center for Academic Technologies. Faculty and staff work together to provide accommodations when needed. As new tools become available, the university reviews and improves resources to increase access.

We take a proactive approach. Faculty receive training and ongoing support to help them build accessibility into their courses from the start.

Accessibility is a shared responsibility. Students, faculty, administrators and publishers all play a role. When materials are accessible, learning improves for everyone.

We also hold ourselves accountable. The university reviews challenges related to instructional materials and works together to address them in a timely and thoughtful way.

Advancing Accessible Course Design

Cal State Monterey Bay develops clear processes that align with Executive Order 1111 while respecting faculty workload and academic freedom. These workflows support early identification of instructional materials, timely review and remediation when needed, and the development of new courses that meet Section 508 accessibility standards.

The university stays current with evolving assistive technology standards, tools and systems to ensure web-enabled programs and services remain effective and accessible. Ongoing training, presentations and campus events encourage shared learning and collaboration around instructional accessibility.

Through partnership and continuous improvement, Cal State Monterey Bay strengthens accessible course design as an essential part of a student-centered educational experience.

Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to buying technology that everyone can use. All new software and hardware must meet CSU accessibility standards. Purchasing accessible technology helps us serve students, faculty, staff and the community while using public funds responsibly.

The California State University Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) provides guidance for accessible purchasing, including timelines, Section 508 review requirements and helpful tools. In line with Executive Order 1111, accessibility is reviewed before any new technology is approved.

The university follows clear steps to ensure accessibility is considered from the start of the procurement process. We stay up to date on assistive technology standards and compliance requirements to keep campus systems current and effective. Presentations and campus events also support awareness and shared understanding of accessible purchasing practices.

Through careful planning and collaboration, Cal State Monterey Bay advances procurement practices that reflect our values of inclusion, innovation and accountability.