University of Nebraska ITS is deeply committed to accessibility. In the development and procurement of information communication technology, ITS helps the University and its campuses realize economies of scale and, where appropriate, link resources of the four campuses in cooperative efforts. This helps campuses focus on their role and mission of teaching, research, service, while achieving high quality and being accessible.
Ensuring the accessibility of our IT platforms can be time-consuming. As a proactive measure, ITS at the University of Nebraska – in partnership with the NU Section 508 Office, campus Accessibility Services offices, and University Communications offices, is working to increase accessibility of our digital platforms, create a highly accessible digital learning environment for our faculty and students, provide resources regarding IT accessibility to our campus communities, and speed up accessibility components of the IT procurement process.
ICT Accessibility Policy (DRAFT: In Review)
ITS has been working with stakeholders across the University of Nebraska system to help create a system-wide Information Communication Technology Policy. The draft has been shared with all ADA leads, procurement teams and chief academic officers at all campuses and should be finalized some time in July.
What is IT accessibility?
IT Accessibility involves working collaboratively with campus technology and communication professionals to remain committed to the creation and dissemination of accessible content. This includes working together with system and campus stakeholders to provide direction and guidance on accessibility:
- Policy and Governance
- Tools, Resources and Guidelines
- Web and Mobile Design
- Procurement and Purchasing Guidelines
Why IT accessibility?
Accessibility is not just important for ensuring the success of our faculty, students, and staff, but it’s also a legal requirement. More than 55 million Americans (1 in 5) have some type of disability. This means if we are an inclusive, diverse campus, we must make a commitment to accessibility so we don't exclude nearly 20 percent of the population. This also expands our reach to this audience and makes our digital footprint good for everyone else both online and offline. This is ITS' contribution to access and affordability as well as accountability. It's IT's contribution to diversity and inclusion. Everyone, everywhere, should be able to access information.
Jason Buzzell serves as the Lead, IT Accessibility for the University of Nebraska. He works collaboratively within ITS and across the campuses to help increase accessibility. If you have questions or ideas, contact it-accessibility@nebraska.edu.