Defining Accessible Technology
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What is the history of accessible technology?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities receiving financial assistance from the federal government. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by employers (Title I), public entities (Title II), and places of public accommodation (Title III). Both Section 504 and the ADA require Michigan Tech to provide equal opportunity to individuals with disabilities to participate in, and receive the benefits of, the educational program, and require that the University provide accommodation or modifications when necessary to ensure equal treatment. As technology has become more digital additional standards and guidelines have been created to ensure equal access to things like websites and online applications.
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What technology must be made accessible?
Accessible technology includes electronic documents, websites, videos, software applications, and hardware devices that can be used effectively by everyone, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities. This includes public-facing technology as well as technology used on campus.
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Who is impacted by inaccessible technology?
Inaccessible technology negatively impacts those with a variety of disabilities, including mobility/orthopedic impairments, sensory impairments, specific learning disabilities, attention deficits, autism spectrum disorders, color blindness, low vision, speech impairments, health impairments, and psychiatric conditions. This includes not only people on campus, but also the general public, who may access our websites or publicly available technologies.
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What is accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT)?
Accessible ICT is information technology that is designed, developed, or procured to be usable by, and therefore accessible to people with disabilities, including those who use assistive technologies.
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What is Universal Design?
Universal Design is the proactive design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
Creating/Correcting Accessible Technology
1
Does Michigan Tech have a formal policy governing accessible technology?
Michigan Tech's accessible technology policy requires that all University ICT be accessible. Accessible technology procedures have been established to guide specifications and enforcement of this policy.
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Who is responsible for ensuring accessible technology at Michigan Tech?
The Michigan Tech community is collectively responsible for assuring the technologies we choose, use, and create are fully accessible. This includes any faculty, staff, and students who purchase technology or create content.
Our effort is guided by our accessible technology coordinator and assisted by Institutional Equity, Information Technology, and University Marketing and Communications—as well as the accessible technology working group.
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How do I get help?
Visit our getting started resources to learn more about accessible technology. Use our self-help training materials or request assistance using our online help request form.
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How do I suggest that new training materials be created?
Please contact our accessible technology coordinator to suggest new training materials. We appreciate your feedback and ideas.
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How do I report a barrier or inaccessible technology instance?
Please use or barrier reporting form or call 906-487-3310.
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How do I get involved in helping ensure accessible technology at Michigan Tech?
We would love to have you on our team. Please contact our accessible technology coordinator to get involved.