FAQ’s

What is accessible Electronic Information Technology (EIT)?

Accessible EIT is designed to be usable by individuals with disabilities, including those who utilize assistive technologies. EIT may include electronic documents, websites, videos, software applications, hardware devices, etc. Accessible means that individuals with a disability are able to independently acquire the same information, and engage in the same interactions, in the same time frame as non-disabled individuals, with substantially equivalent ease of use.

What are the main priorities of the EIT Accessibility program at UVU?

  • Web Accessibility: make websites, web applications, and digital content accessible
  • Instructional Materials: make instructional materials and online course materials available to students with disabilities at the same time they are available to all students
  • Procurement: incorporate accessibility standards for acquiring new EIT products

Who is responsible for the accessibility of technology at UVU?

The UVU tech community, including any faculty, staff, and/or students who purchase technology or create content, is responsible for following accessibility standards. However, efforts are coordinated by our EIT Accessibility Coordinator with the assistance of the ADA Coordinator, the Office of Accessibility Services, the Office of Teaching and Learning, and the University Accessibility Committee.

How do I get training or assistance?

Check out the Resources or Training sections on the Accessible Tech webpage. You can also contact the EIT Coordinator, [email protected], 801-863-6788 for assistance.

How do I request/suggest new accessibility training materials?

Please contact the EIT Accessibility Coordinator, [email protected], 801-863-6788.

What is “equally effective alternative access”?

In cases where there is no accessible alternative to mission critical EIT, you must offer an alternative that allows all learners to engage in the same activity and acquire the same information/experience in an equitable manner. In other words, individuals with disabilities are able to independently acquire the same information. engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services within the same time frame as individuals without disabilities, with substantially equivalent ease of use.

Can I use emerging technologies that are inaccessible in my course?

If the particular learning objective can not be achieved without the emerging technology, and no accessible alternative is available, you may apply for an exception to accessibility standards. If the exception is approved, the Office of Accessibility Services must be contacted to assist in reasonably accommodating any student unable to fully participate utilizing the emerging technology.

If I am looking into two separate pieces of technology that accomplish the same task and only one is accessible, do I have to select the accessible one even if the features of the inaccessible one are preferred?

The most important question here, is what is the educational or business need the product is intended to meet. Establish a prioritized list of requirements (Essential, High, Medium, Low). Include accessibility as an essential requirement. Only products that meet accessibility requirements should be considered. If neither product meets accessibility requirements but do meet the other essential requirements, you may apply for an exception to accessibility standards.

Why is it important to get my book orders in early?

Accessibility standards require that instructional materials in alternative format be made available at the same time they are available to all students. The conversion process for alternative format textbooks is time consuming. Even if the textbook can be acquired from the publisher in electronic format, it will likely need to be edited and converted to the accessible format required by the student. Therefore, timely adoption of textbooks is essential for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

In most cases, the following steps are required for textbook conversion:

  1. Binding removed from book
  2. Pages scanned utilizing high speed scanner
  3. Text is converted using optical character recognition (OCR) software
  4. Zone edited for formatting errors
  5. Content edited (page by page) for content quality
  6. Converted to requested alternative format
  7. Add alt text to images
  8. Book must be rebound