Message from President Welty

Accessible Technology Initiative

At California State University, Fresno, we are dedicated to the success of all of our students. We must ensure that information and data are accessible, in comparable forms, for persons with disabilities to those without disabilities. The California State University (CSU) is subject to the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and has issued a Coded Memorandum describing the Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI). This plan outlines how the CSU will achieve compliance with Section 508 and is available online at http://www.calstate.edu/accessibility/resources/.

Over the next few years, we will be working to achieve accessibility in three main areas: administrative web sites, instructional materials, and procurement. An ATI Task Force, co-chaired by Provost Echeverria and Dr. Lynda Harding, has been established to guide our efforts. By the end of the semester, subcommittees working in the three priority areas will have developed accessibility plans. In general, our initial efforts will focus on activities that produce major gains in accessibility with minimum effort.

We have already made progress. Thanks to the Clean up the Web Campaign, we are well on the way towards accessibility of our major web sites. Under the leadership of Dr. Michael Botwin, the instructional materials group is developing several policies. A policy for early adoption of textbooks and course materials will provide important lead-time for the conversion of materials to a variety of accessible formats. Other policies will ensure that syllabi and other course materials are accessible to all students. A plan to ensure the procurement of accessible technology by the campus is nearly complete. This plan is modeled on the process for sole source justification of purchases, beginning with large purchases that must go to bid. The ATI Task Force will provide occasional updates to keep the university informed of its progress.

Much remains to be done, especially in the area of instructional materials. Existing units, such as Services for Students with Disabilities and Teaching, Learning, and Technology will provide expertise and staff support. Our Office of Procurement is leading the way in addressing compliance issues for the purchase of compliant electronic equipment. The Chancellor’s Office is providing some central support and is coordinating communication across campuses to allow sharing of information.

While making campus information and data resources accessible can be a challenge, it is a goal worth pursuing. We definitely intend to meet the legal and policy requirements of compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. But, more importantly, our commitment to the success of all students will drive our actions.