Stony Brook University EIT Accessibility Plan

To assist the campus in providing an accessible digital experience for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities, and in compliance with SUNY Policy 6901, stony Brook University has developed its Electronic Information Technology Accessibility Plan.

Stony Brook University has adopted and incorporated the following standards by which we will measure accessibility conformance:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at level Double-A for all Web-based applications, web content, and digital documents
- Revised Section 508 Standards for all Software and Hardware EIT.

Digital Content Accessibility Standards (DCAS)

The following SUNY Digital Content accessibility standards are provided as a reference. These standards must be followed by all who create digital documents to confirm accessibility when creating their content.

*Digital Content Accessibility Standards*
Text Alternatives	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
A text equivalent for every non-text element is provided (“alt” tags/text, captions, transcripts, etc.).	x		Content creator
Link text describes the destination of the link (No "click here" or "learn more")	x		Content creator
All links are distinguishable (must be able to differentiate links from the non-link text)	x		Content creator
Graphs, charts, and maps include contextual or supporting details in the text surrounding the image		x	Content creator
Color	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Color is not the only means used to convey information	x		Content creator
There is sufficient contrast between the foreground color and background color	x		Content creator
Typograph	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Use readable fonts and sizes, color contrast, and keep the number of fonts used to a minimum	x		Content creator
Data Tables	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Table header rows and columns are assigned	x		Content creator
When possible, information is displayed in a linear format, not as a table		x	Content creator
Avoid split cells, empty cells, merged cells, and embedded tables		x	Content creator
Images	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Provide meaningful alt text for all images, except as described below:	x		Content creator
Use null alt text for decorative images (alt= "")	x		Content creator
Images used as links (without accompanying text description) have alt text indicating link target	x		Content creator
If the same visual presentation can be made using text alone, an image cannot present it.		x	Content creator
Formulas	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
For web pages, use an equation editor that outputs MathML. (e.g., MathType)	x		Content creator
For documents and presentations, use an equation editor that supports accessibility (e.g., MathType)	x		Content creator
Structure and Navigation	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Fillable documents (forms) are labeled appropriately	x		Content creator
Machine-readable (confirm doc is not an image and text is renderable)	x		Content creator
Keyboard navigable	x		Content creator
Reading order is logical and intuitive (Verify reading order using the tab key)	x		Content creator
The document contains a descriptive page title that makes sense	x		Content creator
Use source (original) document when possible - apply accessibility features within the source document		x	Content creator
Heading structure includes an H1 tag and does not skip levels (is sequential)		x	Content creator
Use the built-in features, styles, and templates (including predefined slides) of software to align spacing and designate lists		x	Content creator
Use different titles for each presentation slide		x	Content creator
Multimedia	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Establish a timely process for requesting synchronized captions for multimedia	x		Content creator
Provide synchronized captions for newly created or adopted audio-video content	x		Content creator
Provide transcripts for audio-only content	x		Content creator
Provide descriptive audio for audio-video and video-only content when visual information is not covered in the narration	x		Content creator
Confirm video player controls are available and accessible via keyboard	x		Content creator
Confirm audio, and the video does not begin playing on page load	x		Content creator
Provide synchronized captions for live audio-video content		x
Accessibility Awareness & Verification	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Course syllabi contain an accessibility statement to inform students of available campus resources	x		Provost/individual faculty
Use built-in accessibility checkers in various software tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat)		x	Content creator
Newly developed courses undergo an accessibility review	x		Provost/CELT
Recurring existing courses undergo an accessibility review		x	Provost/CELT

Classroom Accessibility Standards (CAS)

The following SUNY Standards confirm the physical accessibility of classroom and event spaces, and identifies the office responsible for implementation.

*Classroom Accessibility Standards*
Assistive Listening Systems Availability*	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
For spaces less than or equal to 50 seats = two receivers	x		MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
51 - 200 seats = 2 receivers plus 1 receiver per every 25 seats over 50	x		MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
201 - 500 seats = 2 receivers plus 1 receiver per every 25 seats over 50	x		MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
501 - 1000 seats = 20 receivers plus 1 per every 33 seats over 500	x		MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
1001 - 2000 seats = 35 receivers plus 1 per every 50 seats over 1000	x		MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
2001 and over = 55 receivers plus 1 per every 100 seats over 2000 seats	x		MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
Assisted Listening Systems shall be capable of providing audio at a sound pressure range between 110dB to 118dB, with a volume sweep of 50dB	x		MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
Hearing Loop installation		x	MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
Summed audio output available in room AV system		x	MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
Classroom Controls – Color Blindness	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Color choices on control systems should reflect universal design for common color blindness accommodation (Top choices would be black, yellow/orange, blue)		x	MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
Emergency Notifications in Classrooms should reflect universal design for common color blindness accommodation (Top choices would be black, yellow/orange, blue)		x	AV/Building Managers

*Assisted Listening Systems to come in many shapes and delivery methods. Wi-Fi, FM, RF, and Bluetooth systems can be leveraged to keep costs low. Systems specific to individuals can be used in place of installed systems and still meet the regulations.

Non-EIT: Classrooms and Event Spaces

*Classroom Accessibility Standards*
Classroom Seating and Access	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Classrooms with 4 - 25 seats, 1 wheelchair space required	x		CPDC/Faculty
Classrooms with 26 - 50 seats, 2 wheelchair spaces required	x		CPDC/Faculty
Classrooms with 51 - 150 seats, 4 wheelchair spaces required	x		CPDC/Faculty
Classrooms with 151 - 300 seats, 5 wheelchair spaces required	x		CPDC/Faculty
Classrooms with 301 - 500 seats, 6 wheelchair spaces required	x		CPDC/Faculty
Classrooms with 501 - 5000 seats, 6 wheelchair spaces plus 1 for each 150 above 501.	x		CPDC/Faculty
Classrooms with 5001 and over, 36 wheelchair spaces plus 1 for each 200 over 500.	x		CPDC/Faculty
A single wheelchair space is defined as 36" x 48", making provisions for space entry, turnaround, and knee/toe clearance	x		CPDC/Faculty
Wheelchair spaces shall have similar lines of sight to instructor as other student stations	x		CPDC/Faculty
Accessible pathways in to and out of classrooms shall be 36" wide, with no less than 32" of passing clearance based on wall features	x		CPDC/Faculty
Doors and doorways to Classrooms shall conform to section 403 standards based on how the classroom is set up (entry & exit points, hallways, door opening direction, double doors, etc.)	x		CPDC/Faculty
Wheelchair turn around space shall be accommodated based on space needs of wheelchair spaces, including instructor area. Various provisions exist based on room layouts.	x		CPDC/Faculty
Bariatric seating options should be made available wherever possible		x	CPDC/Faculty
Signage	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Accessible Room features like Assisted Listening Systems shall include appropriate signage indicating their availability and information on obtaining them (or responsible office contact information). Signage shall be conspicuously placed.	x		AV/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
Doors at exit passages shall include tactile signage at 48" above the finished floor	x		Campus Operations & Maintenance
Wheelchair accessible student stations are to be identified by a common symbol	x		Academic Facilities /Campus Operations & Maintenance

Procurement standards and Responsibilities

The following table lists the SUNY Procurement Standards and the person or office Responsible for complying with the required action.

Preliminary Steps	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Gauge potential impact on the University of a particular product or service's accessibility	x		Product Requestor, WAO/EITC/Accessibility review committee
Gathering Information	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Include accessibility in pre-purchase documents/questionnaires	x		WAO/EITC/Procurement/Requestor
Commitment to accessibility is reflected in RFP language	x		Procurement, product Requestor
Collect documentation verifying EIT accessibility conformance (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)	x		Product Requestor
Obtain Accessibility Roadmap - the document which addresses all [application] interface accessibility gaps, describes the timelines by which these accessibility gaps will be remediated, as well as recommendations regarding interim workarounds.	x		Product Requestor
Review Product/Service	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
An appropriately qualified individual or entity should evaluate high impact EIT products and services. This evaluation should be documented and can be performed by campus personnel or through third-party vendors. The cost of an external review can be deferred to the prospective vendor(s).	x		WAO/EITC/Accessibility Review Committee
Conduct Exceptions on a case-by-case basis	x		WAO/EITC/Accessibility Review Committee
Prepare an Equally Effective Alternate Access Plan for non-conforming EIT, to be approved by (Accessibility Review Committee)	x		Product Requestor
Evaluate RFP EIT finalists through live accessibility demonstration		x	WAO/EITC/Accessibility Review Committee
Place Order	*Required*	*Strongly Recommended*	*Responsibility*
Include accessibility assurances in purchase agreements; add milestones to remediate accessibility gaps identified inaccessibility roadmap	x		Procurement, WAO/EITC
Set a calendar date to check in with the vendor on accessibility improvements (e.g., annually)	x		Product Requestor must follow up with Vendor, and transmit information to WAO/EITC and Procurement, verifying compliance

Library Accessibility Guidelines (LAG)

The following table lists the SUNY Library accessibility guidelines and the person or office Responsible for implementing each action.

Library Accessibility Guidelines
Library Services	Required	Strongly Recommended	Responsibility
Establish policies and procedures for making library materials accessible in a variety of formats (e.g., requests for accommodation, alternative format, OCR scans	x		Library Accessibility Working Group (LAWG)
Designate a liaison or contact within the library to provide EIT-related support	x		Web Services and Data Librarian
Provide instructions, documentation, and handouts available in an accessible digital format upon request		x	Director of Access Services, Digital Projects Librarian, and Accessibility Liaison
Provide access, resource, and service information on a library accessibility webpage (see the Non-EIT Appendix for additional web page recommendations)		x	Web Services Librarian/Accessibility Liaison
Provide training to library staff on available assistive technology and EIT best practices		x	SASC, WAO/EITC, Accessibility Liaison, Director of Access Services
Provide assistive technologies and equipment in computer labs, particularly in specialized spaces such as makerspaces		x	SASC, DoIT, Library
Digitizing Content	Required	Strongly Recommended	Responsibility
Confirm documents and forms digitized or hosted by the library are accessible or can be made accessible upon request	x		Digital Projects Librarian and Web Services Librarian
Perform high-quality source document scans	x		Digital Projects Librarian
When scans for instructional and research materials are requested (e.g., course reserves, ILL), conduct necessary OCR scans (text-renderable). Purchasing a new digital document, physical book, or processing by an external vendor may be required to achieve essential accessibility.	x		Director of Access Services and Digital Projects Librarian
Identify and purchase materials that are captioned, or allow and promote the use of the interlibrary loan to request captioned titles if your library owns the (uncaptioned) item	x		Associate Dean for Collection Strategy and Management, Director of Access Services
Include transcripts for any media recordings	x		Multimedia Resources Specialist

Non-EIT Appendix: Libraries

Library Accessibility Guidelines
Webpage for Library Accessibility (Includes the Following Information)	Required	Strongly Recommended	Responsibility
Liaison or contact person within the library for general accessibility support, if different from EIT-accessibility liaison	x		Accessibility Liaison
Information about adaptive software or technology available through the library	x		Web Services Librarian and Director of Access Services
Elevator, entrance, and restroom access		x	Director of Access Services
Information about circulating adaptive technology, if available		x	Director of Access Services
Additional Library Services	Required	Strongly Recommended	Responsibility
Consider accessibility when making furniture and layout choices (i.e., the height of furniture, adjustable or not, leaving wide enough paths, placement/storage of tools) - refer to Classroom Technology and Design standards for further guidance	x		Dean of Libraries and Associate Dean for Research and User Engagement
Collection development should include materials with accurate and current information on the spectrum of disabilities, issues, and services.	x		Associate Dean for Collection Strategy and Management
Provide clear signage for scanner and print stations		x	DoIT
Event materials have an equal access statement to provide patrons an opportunity to request accommodations		x	Communications and Outreach Working Group
Assistive Technology	Required	Strongly Recommended	Responsibility
Accessible technology is made readily available to students, faculty, and staff using library resources	x		Director of Access Services
Clearly advertise where and how to access assistive software or hardware (e.g., webpage for library accessibility)	x		Director of Access Services
Incorporate induction loop technology in rooms where events/speakers are hosted - refer to Classroom Technology and Design standards for further guidance		x	Associate Dean for Library Technology
Basic Technology (free or low cost):
Screen magnification (Zoom Text)	x		DoIT, SASC, WAO/EITC
Text magnification - hard copy (CCTV)	x		DoIT, SASC, WAO/EITC
Screen reader	x		DoIT, SASC, WAO/EITC
Large type/contrast keyboard; alphabet-order keyboards	x		DoIT, SASC
Furniture at the appropriate height for wheelchairs	x		Library
Advanced Technology (paid licenses or higher cost):
Speech-to-text (Dragon Naturally) and text-to-speech (Kurzweil 3000, JAWS, Read&Write GOLD)		x	SASC, WAO/EITC
Braille embosser/printer with conversion software		x	SASC, WAO/EITC
Specialized hardware (noise reduction headphones, trackball mouse, microphones, etc.)		x	DoIT
Separate Assistive Technology Labs/Spaces and Other Accommodations:
Scent-free		x	Director of Access Services
Quieter/reduced stimulus space		x	Director of Access Services
Adjustable tables and/or chairs		x	Director of Access Services
Access to more specialized software and equipment (paid licenses)		x	DoIT, Library
Provide assistive technology kits that can be borrowed, including items such as trackball mouse, large type keyboard, magnifiers		x	DoIT, Library

Steering Committee Membership

Name	Office
Glenn Dausch (Committee Chair)	Office of Equity and Access
Ahmed Belazi	Student Affairs
Marisa Bisiani	Student affairs
Judith Clarke	Office of the Chief Diversity Officer
Barbara Cole	Stony Brook Medicine Information Technology
Kara DeSanna	Office of the Provost
Patricia Dunn	University Senate
Rose Tirotta-Esposito	Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching
Shafeek Fazal	Libraries
Antonio Ferrantino	Office of Equity and Access
Michael Gasparino	Marketing and Communications
Danielle Greco	Stony Brook Medicine Information Technology
Judith Greiman	Office of the President
Lynn Johnson	Human Resource Services
Linda Santos	Procurement
Marjolie Leonard	Office of Equity and Access
Tiffany Martin	Student Affairs
Charlie McMahon	Division of Information Technology
Matthew Nappi	Division of Information Technology
Jennifer Rossler	Human Resource Services
	Office of General Counsel
Suzanne Shane	Office of General Counsel
	Student Affairs
Michael Standridge	Procurement
Marrisa Trachtenberg	Division of Enterprise Risk Management
Michael Tricarico	Student Accessibility Support Center
Diana Voss	Division of Information Technology
Jacquelyn Weisman	Office of General Counsel

Digital Accessibility