Accessibility Policy
Purpose
Santa Clara University is committed to ensuring its websites are accessible to the widest possible audience. The University is formally committed to equal access of information and following all recommended guidelines outlined in federal regulations including Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 with its 2008 Amendments.
Scope
"Accessible" information technology means that a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information and use the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and integrated manner. Accessible information technology will ensure equal opportunity to experience the educational benefits and opportunities afforded by information technology platforms and services.
Specific information technology covered by this Accessibility policy include:
- Websites
- Software applications
- Computers and peripherals
- Video and audio content
- Electronic documents
Examples within the above categories include:
- Web-based applications
- Learning management systems
- Campus-wide administrative applications
- Content management systems
- Classroom technologies
- Lecture capture solutions
- Cloud-based applications
- Email and electronic calendars
- Library resources
Entities covered by this policy include academic, administrative, and all other units that support the University's mission and support services through utilization of University-supported information technology.
Standards
Santa Clara University will reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA for guidance in ensuring that accessibility commitments are being met. As the WCAG specification reaches new versions, the University will adjust metrics and success criteria as quickly as reasonably possible.
Resources
The Accessibility webpage on the University’s website provides resources for campus units that are looking to ensure the accessibility of their IT offerings. The website provides guidance for:
Developing accessible websites
Creating accessible PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Google Drive documents
Accessibility considerations for video
Resources for auditing accessibility
Procurement guidelines for accessible technology
Accessibility training videos through LinkedIn Learning
In addition to these general resources, the University provides individual consultation for accessibility-minded IT projects.
The Accessibility webpage also provides channels to request accessible materials and report accessibility issues quickly and easily.
Standards
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0