2/5/2007
 
I am writing to let you know that San José State University is engaged in an important, CSU system-wide initiative to make information technology resources and services accessible to all SJSU students, faculty, staff and the general public, regardless of disability. Specifically, we will be assessing the extent to which barriers for people with disabilities are created by the use of technology, and where such barriers exist, we will develop comprehensive policies and take necessary actions to remove such barriers.
 
Our work will be focused in three areas: Web accessibility; accessibility in instructional materials; and accessibility of electronic and information technology procurement procedures.
 
This is a major, complex initiative that will affect virtually everyone on campus at some level. Whenever we take on such a task, I think it¹s important for us to understand why we are doing it. First, it is our legal responsibility, as mandated in state and federal law (see link below), to
provide support and accommodation for all people with disabilities. Second, removing barriers for people with disabilities is at the heart of our university policy of non-discrimination. And, in a broader sense, it is rooted in our mission of providing quality education and services to our
region. Put simply, it is the right thing to do.
 
The timeline set out by the CSU is an aggressive one, so that no time is lost in ensuring system-wide compliance. Even so, complete implementation will take five years. There will be more information available soon, but in this memo I want to alert you to the one-year deliverables and the deadlines that are coming up quickly.
 
Web Accessibility

• Campus Web Accessibility Policy and Implementation Plan due March 30, 2007.
• Web accessibility project complete by May 15, 2007.
• First-year Web report due June 15, 2007.

Accessibility of Instructional Materials

• Instructional Materials Assessment Plan due June 15, 2007.

Electronic & Information Technology Procurement

• Campus Accessible E&IT Procurement Procedures due March 30, 2007.
• Implement campus-based Accessible E&IT Procurement for formal bids by September 1, 2007.

I have convened an Accessible Technology Initiative Task Force. You may hear it referred to as the ATI Task Force. Working with the task force are three teams, one for each area of focus. These teams are now proceeding with the assessments that are needed to develop our plans and policies and to begin implementation of recommended changes.  For more information, see the Web site at http://www.sjsu.edu/accessibility
 
If you are approached to assist with any aspect of this initiative, I ask you to make it a priority. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Gwen Dapper at Gwen.Dapper@sjsu.edu.
 
Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.

Sincerely,
Carmen Sigler, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Executive Sponsor of the SJSU Accessible Technology Initiative