Digital Accessibility Policy
1.00 Purpose
California State University Monterey Bay is committed to providing a digital environment that is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. This policy outlines the university's commitment to digital accessibility, compliance with federal Section 508 and relevant California laws and California State University requirements, and best practices to ensure all individuals have equal access to university digital resources. Relevant laws and policies include:
- EO 1111, The California State University Board of Trustees Policy on Disability Support and Accommodations
- AA-2015-22, Accessible Technology Initiative: Amendment to AA-2013-03
- AA-2013-03, Accessible Technology Initiative Policy
- AA 2014-08, Policy for the Provision of Accommodations and Support Services to Students with Disabilities
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
- CA Government Code 7405
2.00 Scope
All CSUMB programs, services, and activities should be accessible to all students, staff, faculty, and the general public. This encompasses all technology products used to deliver academic programs and services, student services, information technology services, and auxiliary programs and services. This policy and any related procedures apply to instructional and non-instructional content, campus websites, procurement, and, to the extent possible, contracted services.
3.00 Responsibilities
California State University Monterey Bay is committed to providing a digital environment that is accessible to all individuals in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, California state law, and California State University policies. The university is committed to ensuring equal access to all university digital resources, including but not limited to: websites, mobile applications, electronic documents, and multimedia.
The Chief Information Officer or designee (hereinafter "CIO") shall be responsible for coordinating campus-wide efforts to ensure the purchase, creation, and delivery of digital content follows accessibility guidelines. The CIO’s directive is driven by the Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) mandated by the CSU Chancellor’s Office and is supported at CSUMB by the campus ATI Steering Committee.
The CIO shall support campus content creators in selecting, authoring, and delivering accessible materials through training on accessibility, resources, and tools for checking the accessibility of digital materials. In addition, the CIO shall coordinate campus training, outreach, and resources for acquiring and creating digitally accessible Electronic and Information Technologies.
The CIO shall be responsible for ensuring digital accessibility requirements are met in the following areas:
- Web Accessibility: The university's websites and digital platforms will be designed and monitored to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including compliance with all local, state, and federal accessibility guidelines and regulations as well as the most current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines set forth by W3.org.
- Accessible Documents and Multimedia: Digital content, including but not limited to: authorized live and recorded videos, audio recordings, webinars, PDFs, Word documents, and PowerPoint presentations, should be reviewed for accessibility prior to publication.
- Electronic Document Accommodations: Accessible versions of legacy electronic documents will be provided upon request to individuals in need of accommodations to allow sufficient time to complete related activities.
- Textbook Adoption: Academic Affairs will ensure the timely adoption of textbooks and other instructional materials, including courses with late-hire faculty.
- Early Identification of Students with Disabilities for Instructional Material Accessibility: The University will ensure that students with disabilities are identified and able to request alternate media of instructional materials in a timely manner.
- Procurement of Electronic and Information Technology: All technology and software purchase requests will be evaluated for accessibility prior to purchase. Expenses and budget may be the responsibility of the requesting department.
- Accessibility Audit: The Accessible Technology Initiative Committee will review and document the university’s current state of digital accessibility through an annual report.
- Accessibility Statement: An accessibility statement on all digital platforms, outlining the university's commitment to accessibility and providing contact information for individuals who require assistance accessing digital resources.
- Feedback and Reporting Process: Develop and maintain a reporting process and mechanism for individuals to provide feedback on inaccessible content and barriers to digital accessibility.
4.00 Continuous Renewal
This policy shall be reviewed five (5) years from its effective date to determine its effectiveness and appropriateness. This policy may be reviewed before that time as necessary.
s/President Vanya Quiñones
Effective Date: March 22, 2024
Certification of Process:
Reviewed by: Senate Technology Committee, Center for Academic Technology, Student Disability and Accessibility Center, Educational Planning and Policy Committee, Academic Senate, Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management & Student Affairs, and Administration & Finance.