Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is EIT?

“Electronic information and technology” or “EIT” is comprised of information technology and any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the creation, conversion, or duplication of data or information. The term includes, but is not limited to, the internet and intranet websites, content delivered in digital form; including, but not limited to, word processing documents, PDFs, presentations, publications, and spreadsheets which are scanned, uploaded, posted, or otherwise published or distributed electronically, electronic books and electronic book reading systems, search engines and databases, learning management systems, classroom technology, and multimedia, and personal response systems (“clickers”). It also includes any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, creation, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information. This term includes telecommunication products (such as telephones), information kiosks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) transaction machines, computers, ancillary equipment, software, firmware, and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources. In cases where multiple telecommunication devices exist within the same location (and it is not reasonable to ensure all devices meet Policy standards), at least one telecommunication device must be accessible. Experimental electronic information and technology in a production environment are not exempt from the Policy.

2. Why is EIT accessibility Important?

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (“CSCU”) provides equal opportunity to its educational and administrative services, programs and activities in accordance with federal and state law. CSCU is committed to ensuring equal access to information, programs, and activities through its information technologies, web pages, web-based applications, operating system-based applications, digital instructional content, services, and resources (“electronic information and technology” or “EIT”). Therefore, digital information, websites, technology, coursework, and email need to be accessible by all in an understandable way. This is in accordance with federal and state laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act as amended, and the State of Connecticut’s Universal Website Accessibility Policy for state websites.

At WCSU, more than 350 students are registered with the Office of AccessAbility Services as having disabilities, and a number of our faculty and staff also have disabilities. Many of these individuals need assistive technology such as screen readers, captioned videos, or keyboard controls, in order to access information in a digital format. If the information presented in a digital format cannot be accessed or “read” through assistive technology or other means, some individuals with disabilities will not be able to participate or benefit from the activities and programs offered at the university. As we continue to grow our digital landscape, programs and activities must be inclusive of, and accessible to all of our faculty, staff, and students regardless of disability status.

3. Why is the EIT policy necessary?

The law, and the university’s existing procedures, already prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and require that we provide accommodations that enable those with disabilities to access services and information. The Policy does not change our community members’ obligations. However, as EIT has become integral to university life, understanding what “accessibility” means in various contexts (e.g., websites, e-readers, online courses, live-streamed video, etc.) has become more complex. As a result, policies that specifically address and help explain EIT accessibility and promote equal access to electronic information have become important for colleges and universities and a requirement of almost every legal settlement addressing this topic.

4. Does the new policy change how faculty should prepare instructional or course material?

The short answer is no. Under current university procedure and federal law, faculty are already required to ensure that their course materials are made accessible for those with disabilities upon request. However, it is to the benefit of the faculty member and students in their class to develop course content with accessibility in mind.

6. How am I supposed to know how to make content accessible?

The university is in the process of creating an accessible website to include a wealth of resources and information to help the community understand accessibility. The university will also be offering accessibility training in the Fall 2021 semester.

6. I am interested in letting my students know on the syllabus that I am open to discussions around potential course barriers outside of disability accommodations. What can I say?

Sample Access Statement:

I am committed to creating a course that is inclusive in its design. If you encounter barriers, please let me know immediately through Blackboard Email or during my office hours (Monday/Wednesday 2 pm – 4 pm) so that we can determine if there is a design adjustment that can be made or if an alteration might be needed to overcome the limitations of the design. I am always happy to consider creative solutions as long as they do not compromise the intent of the assessment or learning activity. I welcome feedback that will assist me in improving the usability and experience for all students.

6. Why are we required to have a disability syllabus statement?

In compliance with the ADA, all students with a documented disability are entitled to reasonable accommodations and services to support their academic success and safety. Students must request accommodations to the learning environment through AAS. Though a request for services may be made at any time, services are best applied when they are requested before the start of the semester. In order to promote students to request accommodations, WCSU requires that faculty include a disability statement in a “course syllabi”.

Students with Disabilities: AccessAbility Services engages in an interactive process with each student and reviews requests for accommodations on an individualized, case-by-case basis. Depending on the nature of the functional limitations of the student’s documented disability, he/she may be eligible for accommodations. AAS collaborates with students and their faculty to coordinate approved accommodations and services for qualified students with disabilities. If you have a documented disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact AccessAbility Services (AAS) as soon as possible. You may contact AAS by calling (203) 837-8225 (voice), (203) 837-3235 (TTY), or by e-mailing aas@wcsu.edu. Detailed information regarding the process to request accommodations is available on the AAS website at: AccessAbility Services (www.wcsu.edu/accessability). If your request for accommodation(s) is approved and you request accommodation letters, an accommodation letter will be emailed to faculty members. (Note: Student requests for accommodations must be filed each semester and accommodations are not retroactive.)