Accessible Electronic Media In The University

Megan O'Neil wrote a Chronicle article about proposed legislation which would provide accessibility compliance standards for instructional technology . Many comments on this article were negative, citing costs, duplication with other legislation, or addressing feelings that the vision impaired should be restricted to specialized institutions. Lauren McL expounded on the intent of the proposed law, which she says acts to standardize appropriate accommodation efforts for electronic technology. Existing laws and regulations call for accommodation, but do not specify how a university can be in compliance so as to avoid civil lawsuits.

Chris Heard commented that professors develop a lot of content without the ability to easily create transcripts, and they will need assistance to make accessible media. Kearney made the point that this law should push universities to add accessibility to their purchasing requirements, so that vendors only offer materials that can be used by the visually disabled. Kathy Wood expressed the opinion that much educational media already has accommodation included, but that faculty (and even accommodation officers) do not understand its functionality.

-DD