What is accessibility violation in Higher Ed ? What are the possible violation points?

 

Accessibility violations can take many forms in Higher Ed, such as inaccessible websites or digital content, physical barriers in buildings or facilities, lack of accessible transportation, or failure to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. 

Inaccessible technology: This is a common reason for lawsuits as students with disabilities require accessible technology to access course materials, websites, and online resources.

    Examples- 

• Learning management systems (LMS) that do not support screen readers
•  PDF documents or images that do not have proper alt text or other descriptive information
•  Websites or web-based applications that are not designed to be keyboard-accessible
• Videos or multimedia content that do not have closed captions or audio descriptions
•  Online exams or assessments that are not compatible with assistive technologies

Inaccessible buildings or facilities: Higher education institutions must ensure that their physical facilities are accessible to students with disabilities. This includes accessible entrances, restrooms, classrooms, and other facilities.

    Examples- 

• Buildings that lack wheelchair ramps or accessible entrances 
• Restrooms that do not have sufficient space or grab bars
• Classrooms or lecture halls that do not have wheelchair-accessible seating or assistive listening devices
• Laboratories or research facilities that lack accessible equipment or workstations
• Dormitories or housing facilities that lack accessible entrances, elevators, or rooms

Inaccessible transportation: Institutions must ensure that transportation services are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.

    Examples - 

• Buses or shuttles that do not have wheelchair lifts or ramps 
• Public transportation routes that do not have accessible stops 
• Lack of accessible parking spots for students with disabilities
• Inadequate signage for accessing and using accessible transportation services
• Lack of communication or coordination between transportation services and disability services offices

Inaccessible course materials: Institutions must provide accessible course materials to students with disabilities, which may include textbooks, lecture notes, and online resources.

    Examples -

• Printed materials that do not have alternative formats, such as braille, large print, or audio
• Inaccessible power point slides
• Videos or multimedia content that do not have closed captions or audio descriptions
• Online course content or websites that are not designed to be accessible
• Assessment materials that are not compatible with assistive technologies, such as screen readers or alternative input devices

Failure to provide accommodations: Institutions must provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, such as extra time on exams, assistive technology, or note-taking assistance.

    Examples - 

• A student with a visual impairment requests access to course materials in an alternative format, but the institution does not provide the materials
• A student with a hearing impairment requests a sign language interpreter for a class, but the institution does not provide the interpreter
• A student with a mobility impairment requests an accessible classroom or laboratory, but the institution does not provide an accessible space
• A student with a mental health disability requests accommodations such as extended time or a distraction-reduced environment for exams, but the institution denies the request

Inadequate training or awareness: Higher education institutions must ensure that faculty, staff, and administrators are trained in disability awareness and how to provide reasonable accommodations.

    Examples -

• Faculty members who are not trained on how to design and deliver courses that are accessible to students with disabilities, resulting in inaccessible course materials 
• Staff members who are not aware of how to make accommodations or who are not trained on the proper use of assistive technologies, resulting in inadequate accommodations for students
• Administrators who are not aware of their obligations under the law, resulting in policies or practices that are discriminatory or exclusionary.
• Student services staff who are not trained on how to provide accessible services, resulting in inaccessible campus services such as counseling or career services.
• Information technology staff who are not trained on how to develop or procure accessible technology, resulting in inaccessible technology systems or websites.

Discrimination or harassment: Institutions may face lawsuits if they engage in discrimination or harassment against students with disabilities.

    Examples -

• A student with a disability is denied admission or enrollment based on their disability.
• A faculty member with a disability is denied tenure or promotion based on their disability.
• A student with a disability is subjected to bullying or harassment by other students.
• An employee with a disability is denied access to professional development opportunities.
• A student with a mental disability is disciplined or punished more harshly than other students.

Inaccessible events or activities: Institutions must ensure that events and activities are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.

    Examples -

• A conference is held in a venue that is not accessible to attendees with mobility impairments, such as a venue that does not have accessible parking, ramps, or restrooms.
• A seminar is held in a room that does not have adequate acoustics or sound systems, making it difficult or impossible for attendees with hearing impairments.
• An event is held with inaccessible materials or formats, such as handouts or presentations that are not available in alternative formats.

Inadequate policies or procedures: Institutions must have policies and procedures in place to ensure that students with disabilities are not discriminated against and that they have access to all educational opportunities.

    Examples -

• A university does not have a policy in place to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.
• A university does not have a policy to ensure that its website or digital content is accessible.
• An institution does not have a policy to ensure that its facilities are accessible.
• An institution has policies that limit the use of assistive technologies or accommodations.

Final Thought - The world can become more accessible through a consistent and intentional approach with mindfulness. When accessibility is integrated into the core values and beliefs of an organization, it no longer feels like a mere job duty but rather a fundamental part of its identity.