Executive Policy Manual

EP07 – Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Policy

Revision Approved November 13, 2023


1.0   Purpose

Washington State University (WSU) is committed to providing equal access to electronic and information technology (EIT) for all students, staff, faculty, and others with disabilities. This includes the accessibility of instructional materials, documents, media, and other information provided through WSU’s telecommunication products, websites, online learning services, software systems, and information kiosks.

2.0   Applicability

This policy applies to the procurement, design, development, implementation, utilization, and maintenance of EIT, including through third-party vendors.

3.0   Requirements

All newly developed or procured EIT must meet the standards below, except when doing so would impose an undue burden or create a fundamental alteration. Legacy EIT is reviewed and addressed in accordance with the plans of the responsible parties, as identified in BPPM 85.55. Departments and University entities must carefully consider and consult with either the ADA Coordinator or Compliance and Civil Rights before determining that an accessible product is an undue burden or creates a fundamental alteration. Where compliance does pose an undue burden, departments or University entities must provide individuals with disabilities with an alternate means of access.

Compliance with this policy and with the standards below is monitored by responsible WSU parties. See BPPM 85.55 regarding procedures for ensuring compliance and implementation of this policy.

The applicable standards are as follows:

  • The standards set forth in Washington State Policy 188;
  • University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to, WSU’s Executive Policy Manual EP15 (Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment) and those on WSU’s Web Accessibility website; and
  • State and federal guidelines, regulations, and laws, including but not limited to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC Sec. 701 et seq.), the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended (42 USC Sec. 12101 et seq.), and RCW Chapter 49.60 (Discrimination—Human Rights Commission).

4.0   Complaints

Accessibility complaints relating to EIT may be shared with an Information Technology Accessibility Coordinator. For more information on how to file a complaint, and for information on other types of complaint procedures relating to accessibility, visit the WSU Accessibility website.

Accessibility complaints specific to WSU websites may be provided via the online Web Accessibility Complaint form.

WSU works to address the issue as quickly as possible.

5.0   References

Washington State Office of the Chief Information Officer Policy #188: Accessibility

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC Sec. 701 et seq.)

Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended (42 USC Sec. 12101 et seq.)

RCW Chapter 49.60 (Discrimination—Human Rights Commission)

EP15: Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment

BPPM 85.55: Ensuring Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility

WSU Accessibility website

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Revisions:  Nov. 2023 (Rev. 116); Aug. 2017 (Rev. 76); Nov. 2001 – new policy (Rev. 3)