Title: Software and Technology Accessibility Policy
Effective Date: 09/2023
Issuing Authority: Information Technology
Program Coordinator: CIO, Libraries and IT
Last Updated: 09/2022
Purpose
St. Olaf College strives to ensure and provide equal and equitable access to all information, programs, activities, services and content made available and delivered through the use of information and communication technology. Technology procured, developed, maintained, and used by St. Olaf College should provide substantially similar functionality, experience, and information access to individuals with disabilities as it provides to others.
Scope
This policy applies to all campus purchases of software and hardware.
Policy
All St. Olaf College departments and units are responsible for meeting St. Olaf College technology accessibility standards, which applies to all online content, electronic documents, digital media, and electronic equipment such as kiosks, telephones, and digital signs. Standards and practices include:
- Design and content creation standards that promote universal design to ensure equal access.
- Acquisition of hardware and software that is, or can be made, accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
- Design and implementation of accessible technology-related classroom and work environments that accommodate all users.
Exceptions to this policy are as follows
- Hardware and software tools specific to a research or development process in which no member of the research or development team requires accessibility accommodations. The project/team leader is responsible to inquire and document that no member of the research or development team identified as requiring an accommodation.
- Hardware or software for which no equivalent accessible option is available. All colleges, departments, offices, and project leads are responsible for documenting the following efforts in verifying compliance with this exception.
- Identification of alternative applications or equipment with similar required functionality that do not provide additional accessibility.
- Identification of alternative applications or equipment that are accessible but do not meet functionality requirements
This policy aligns with
- St. Olaf College’s vision to challenge students to excel in the liberal arts, examine faith and values, and explore meaningful vocation in an inclusive, globally engaged community nourished by Lutheran tradition.
- St. Olaf College’s obligations under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
- The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 together with its 2008 Amendments.