UIC Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Accessibility Policy

Consistent with applicable laws the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) will strive to ensure that the Information and Communications Technology that has been designed, developed, or procured is accessible for people with disabilities, including those who use assistive technologies.

The Policy applies to all ICTs developed, procured, maintained, or provided by any unit and department within UIC for use by its personnel, students, or the public. UI Health and clinics fall under the Policy as well. An Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan for inaccessible ICTs must be submitted and reviewed.

Reason for Policy:

The purpose of this Policy is to provide direction and support regarding Information and Communications Technology (ICT) accessibility across UIC. The Policy is intended to provide specific information to help all UIC units and departments comply with the Policy and related procedures. UIC units and departments must: (1) ensure ICTs are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including existing and new application development (web, mobile, and desktop), electronic and information content, existing and new procurements, classroom deliverables, virtual meeting spaces and other online activities; (2) provide mechanisms and resources to ensure appropriate parties are notified of and can respond to ICT accessibility issues and concerns; and (3) foster compliance across UIC.

Minority Impact Statement:

The policy does not have any disproportionate or unique impact on UIC’s minority students, staff, or faculty.

Who Should Read the Policy:

The Policy is intended and applicable for all UIC faculty, staff, students, UI Health, and its clinics.

Definitions:

• Accessible means a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use. An individual with a disability must be able to obtain the information as fully, equally, and independently as a person without a disability.
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to information technology and other equipment, systems, technologies, or processes, for which the principal function is the creation, manipulation, storage, display, receipt, or transmission of electronic data and information, as well as any associated content. Examples of ICT include but are not limited to: computers and peripheral equipment, information kiosks and transaction machines, telecommunications equipment, customer premises equipment, multifunction office machines, software, applications, websites, videos, and electronic documents.
• Equally Effective Alternative Access refers to an alternative format, medium, or other aid that timely and accurately communicates the same content as does the original format or medium, and that is appropriate to an individual’s disability.

Procedures:

• ICT Accessibility Training Implementation Guidelines
• Accessible ICT Procurement Guidelines
• ICT Accessibility Exception Process Guidelines
• ICT Accessibility Complaint Process

Related Laws, Regulations, Statutes, and Policies:

• Americans with Disabilities Act
• 504 Standards, Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA)
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (Current and as revised)
• ICT Accessibility 508 Standards
• University of Illinois System-wide EIT Accessibility Policy Guide
• University of Illinois System-wide EIT Accessibility Implementation Guidelines

Document History:

Approved by: Committee on Policy, Chancellor
Approved as: New Policy