Mission

Removing barriers to ICT systems and content is the right thing to do. Like all universities, Michigan Tech faces significant risks related to accessibility barriers:

  • Reduced student success, retention, and graduation rates
  • Complaints and litigation actions
  • Increased costs to update or replace electronic information technologies to comply with existing accessibility laws
  • Increased resource demands to remediate websites, documents, videos, etc., to comply with existing accessibility standards

Michigan Tech has assigned implementation of and compliance with the University Accessible ICT Policy to the campus accessible technology coordinator and IT web developer, and their respective designees. To support this mission, an accessible technology working group (ATWG) has been created.

ATWG Charge

To promote the success of all Michigan Tech students, faculty, staff and visitors, including those with disabilities, the ATWG is charged with supporting the university's commitment of providing equal access to academic, research, and administrative programs and services via its ICT systems, and coordinating efforts to comply with federal accessibility laws.

The ATWG is divided into four subgroups with various goals and responsibilities.

Web Accessibility

The web accessibility subgroup creates and executes strategy for bringing the websites of Michigan Technological University into compliance with the WCAG 2.0 A/AA standard for accessibility. This includes tasks such as

  • advising the accessible technology coordinator on an overall accessible technology policy for the University
  • developing and modifying web accessibility procedures, including
    • defining the scope of websites affected
    • developing a plan for auditing the University's websites
    • developing a plan for issue remediation
    • developing a plan for campus-wide training
    • developing a protocol for addressing non-compliance and disagreements
  • assisting in identifying necessary software, staff, and other resources
  • creating and vetting documentation and training resources

Instructional/Training Materials

  • Develop online training resources for faculty and staff on producing accessible documents, media, etc.
  • Establish and maintain mtu.edu/accessibility website information and resources (both MTU produced and external sites)
  • Create small-scale document and video remediation service for campus clients

Procurement

  • Conduct campus EIT audit, compile data, obtain VPAT’s for existing products and systems.
  • Develop process for integrating accessibility concerns into the existing university procurement workflow (involving vendors, purchasing and IT procurement personnel and campus end users)
  • Establish testing team to vet high impact products before purchase

Communications

  • Establish awareness and importance of accessible technology through various campus communication channels (web, Tech Today, departmental meetings, etc)