The University of Oregon is committed to access, equity, and inclusion for information and communication technologies (ICT), e.g., including, but not limited to, information resources such as web pages, websites and databases; web- and computer-based applications allowing for interaction between software and users; services employing information technology and telecommunications equipment used to support its mission of exceptional teaching, research, and service as a comprehensive public university. As the university operates in an increasingly digital environment, equitable access for all is critical for our success. It is essential that accessibility be seamlessly integrated as the university acquires, creates, uses and publishes information and communication technologies. With these core institutional values, this policy and its accompanying procedures establish standards and expectations in alignment with nationally recognized best practices and applicable law, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.
All those engaged with producing or using UO communication and information technologies.
For questions about this policy, please contact Information Services at (541) 346-NETS (6387).
09 July 2019 – Effective date
02 July 2019 - Approved as a new policy by the university president
All University of Oregon web pages and other information and communication technologies (ICT) should be made accessible to the widest range of users, including those with disabilities, as described in more detail in the procedures accompanying this policy. A person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use. The person with a disability must be able to obtain the information as fully, equally and independently as a person without a disability. Unless an exemption is approved by the University President or their designee, all colleges, departments, offices and entities of the University will create, update, and disseminate ICT by making it consistent with the prevailing national access standards as set forth in the procedures that accompany this policy.
This is a rolling adoption, with certain ICT prioritized over others, and its schedule will be set forth separately in the procedures accompanying this policy.
The Chief Information Officer or their designee, will define and oversee an inter-departmental Information and Communication Technologies Access Committee (ICT Access Committee) to implement, maintain and enforce procedures, procurement processes, and accessibility guidelines covering the University of Oregon digital environment to ensure that the university is fulfilling its commitment to accessibility for all and complying with applicable law. This digital environment includes, but is not limited to, web-based and native applications, media productions and presentations, and other emerging hard- and software technologies. Procedures, resources, and exemption criteria shall be reviewed and amended as necessary on an as-needed basis by the ICT Access Committee.
While the ICT Access Committee is responsible for the creation and periodic revision of these evolving guidelines, it is incumbent upon those who create, procure, maintain, or are otherwise responsible for university ICT to ensure the accessibility of the technology and associated content. This obligation is ongoing and will require regular monitoring and evaluation as described in more detail in the procedures accompanying this policy.
The university will provide training opportunities and assistance, where appropriate.
Exemptions / Alternative Processes
Requests for exemptions from accessibility requirements must be approved by the University President or their designee(s), pursuant to the procedures accompanying this policy. Exemptions will be granted when action would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of its program or activity or undue financial and administrative burdens, as determined by the University President or their designee(s), and must be accompanied by a written statement. The determination that an undue burden or fundamental alteration would result must be based on all resources available for use. If an action would result in a fundamental alteration or undue burden, the University of Oregon will pursue other appropriate options to provide individuals with disabilities the benefits and services of the program or activity in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use, as fully, equally and independently as individuals without disabilities.