SP 19-60c – digital Accessibility

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SP 19-60c

APPROVED: April 28, 2014
EFFECTIVE: April 28, 2014
REVISED: July 30, 2015
REVISED: December 1, 2016
REVISED: June 12, 2024
RETITLED: June 12, 2024
RENUMBERED: June 12, 2024

REFERENCE(S): Board Policy (BP) 19-60, Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation; 8 CCR 1501-11, Technology Accessibility Rules

APPROVED:

/ Joseph A. Garcia /
Joseph A. Garcia, Chancellor

Application

This procedure applies to the Colorado Community College System, including its Colleges (CCCS or System).

This procedure applies to information and communication technology (ICT) which includes, but is not limited to, websites, instructional materials, online services, software applications, multimedia content, and kiosks that are developed or maintained by entities within CCCS. The System must ensure that ICT is accessible for use by faculty, staff, students, prospective students, and the public.

This procedure does not apply to unauthorized web pages published by students or employees, which are not used to conduct CCCS business or instructional activities. Furthermore, this procedure does not apply to third-party content linked to a CCCS website, unless the third-party site or web content is used to allow members of the public to participate in or benefit from CCCS services, programs, or activities.

Basis

CCCS is committed to facilitating access to its services, programs, and activities, including instruction, communication, and business processes, for the broadest possible audience. CCCS strives to employ principles of Universal Design and meet or exceed the requirements of the Governor’s Office of Information Technology Rules Establishing Technology Accessibility Standards in the design, development, implementation, and enhancement of its information and communication technology.

Procedure

The System Office and Colleges must have a written digital accessibility plan. The plan must be submitted to CCCS Legal Affairs annually. The Chancellor and College Presidents shall designate ICT Accessibility Designee(s) with the authority to ensure accountability and compliance.

The plan must address responsibilities, ICT Designee(s), human resources integration, training, digital evaluation and remediation, communication and support, web and digital content accessibility, and procurement and vendor management considerations. The plan must inventory ICT, including digital content, digital signage, and kiosks. The plan may distinguish dates between creating new material versus revising and converting current ICT, also known as legacy ICT. The System Office and Colleges should take into consideration their budgets, staffing resources, and training needs when developing and revising their plan. At a minimum, the plan must comply with the requirements of the Governor’s Office Technology Accessibility Rules.

The System Office  and Colleges must develop a process for timely responding to concerns regarding barriers to accessibility. The System Office and Colleges must have a technology accessibility statement prominently posted on their website(s) and other appropriate locations. The technology accessibility statement must include a method for reporting concerns regarding barriers to accessibility.

The System Office’s and Colleges’ top priority shall be ICT visible to the most users, with highest regard given to public-facing and student-facing systems. The lowest priority shall be ICT which is being phased out in the near future.

Revising this Procedure

CCCS reserves the right to change any provision or requirement of this procedure at any time and the change shall become effective immediately.