When creating a Distance Education (DE) website for faculty, understanding the basics of accessibility compliance is crucial to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, have equitable access to educational resources. Here is a description of legal issues and the basics of accessibility compliance:
Legal Framework
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA mandates that educational institutions provide accessible environments for all students, including those with disabilities. This includes ensuring that online course content is accessible.
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Section 508 requires that all electronic and information technology be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes ensuring that web content is usable by students who rely on assistive technologies.
- California Government Code Section 11135: This code aligns with federal laws, requiring that accessibility for persons with disabilities be ensured in all electronic and information technology used by state institutions.
Accessibility Compliance Basics
- Timeliness, Accuracy, and Appropriateness: As outlined by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), effective communication requires timely delivery of accessible materials, accurate translation of information, and provision in a suitable format that meets the needs of individuals with disabilities.
- Key Accessibility Elements:
- Fonts and Formatting: Use Sans-serif fonts and organize documents to maximize accessibility.
- Alternative Text: Provide meaningful alt text for images, graphics, and buttons to assist screen readers.
- Captions and Transcripts: Ensure all video content has synchronized captions and transcripts for audio files.
- Color Contrast: Use accessible color combinations to ensure readability.
- Navigation and Labels: Ensure logical and intuitive navigation, with properly labeled buttons and checkboxes.
- Institutional Responsibility: Ensuring accessibility is a shared responsibility among faculty, administration, and vendors. Regular training and support should be provided to faculty to help them understand and implement accessibility standards.
- Continuous Review and Improvement: Regularly review and update course materials to maintain compliance. Accessibility should be considered from the onset of course design to prevent costly retroactive adjustments.
- Third-Party Tools and Content: Any third-party tools or content used must also meet accessibility standards. Collaboration between faculty, administration, and vendors is necessary to ensure compliance.
Tutorials
Check out our Accessibility Tutorials Page
Resources
CCC Accessibility Center
The CCC Accessibility Center proactively assesses the California community college system's web and information technology accessibility needs and offers services, guidance and technical assistance to help colleges in realizing an accessible technology environment. Diversity and inclusion are core values embraced by the California Community Colleges. Accessible websites and information technology positively impacts individuals with disabilities, offering greater opportunity for engagement and participation in pursuit of lifelong learning throughout California's community colleges.
WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind
Expanding the potential of the web for people with disabilities by empowering individuals and organizations to create accessible content. Includes free training through the CCC.
CAST - Universal Design for Learning
Created by CAST, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework is based on extensive research and years of implementation. It aims to develop successful and inclusive learning experiences for learners of all levels, abilities, and backgrounds.