About Web Accessibility
Web Accessibility refers to the inclusive design of the web for all people with whatever hardware, software, language, or age; and no matter the hearing, visual, motor or cognitive ability. When sites are correctly designed, developed and edited, all users can have equal access to information and functionality. MVCC is committed to accessible design of all associated websites, instructional related websites and mobile application in regard to their compliance with W3C Web accessibility initiatives.
MVCC strives to satisfy all the requirements of at least a level AA conformance success criteria of WCAG.
For its website MVCC uses accessibility checker to perform accessibility checks on a regular basis. This service automatically detects and highlights any WCAG 2.0 issues that have arisen since the last scan.
When issues are identified, they are addressed immediately by staff in MVCC's Office of Accessibility Resources, Office of Marketing and Communications, or one of 60 content managers distributed across MVCC; or in the specifications for each phase of MVCC's Web updating.
MVCC's learning management software is provided by BlackBoard. Brightspace's corporate statement of accessibility reads in part, "Our products are designed and developed in accordance with the internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility (WCAG) Guidelines 2.0 Level AA as well as the Section 508 standards in the United States. A third party conducts regular audits of our software to ensure quality expectations are met and maintained."
To learn more about web accessibility,please visit WebAIM
To report an MVCC web accessibility issue, please contact Tamara Mariotti at 315-731-5702 (voice) or email her at tmariotti@mvcc.edu.
Web Accessibility Policy and Procedures
Policy
- All new or modified content and functionality published, hosted or otherwise provided by the College must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA.
- Web pages or resources specifically requested to be made accessible as part of a formal accommodation request shall be made accessible as soon as possible, or an equally effective alternative shall be provided. Equally effective means that it communicates the same information and provides the equivalent functions in as timely a fashion as does the Web page or resource.
Procedures
Content Uploader Responsibility
- Content uploaders will be designated from each department.
- Content uploaders will then be vetted, trained and given preferred accessibility friendly templates to work from.
Development & Maintenance of Content and Online Resources
- All new or modified content must be made accessible at the time of creation or revision.
- Content uploaders will utilize and strictly follow a web style guide, design for accessibility.
- Content will be inspected and then approved for accessibility; and only approved content will be published.
Assessment & Evaluation of Content and Online Resources
- A tiered level evaluation process will be used to test the accessibility of web pages and resources
- Scheduled audits to detect issues of inaccessibility
- If/when issues of accessibility are detected, they will be immediately addressed and resolved within 5 business days.
3rd Party Development & Maintenance of Content and Online Resources
- Full ADA compliance
- Content management system that supports accessibility
- Accessibility designed templates
- Editorial workflow and approval process to address accessibility