Policy
- All new or revised Web pages and other Web resources published, hosted or otherwise provided by the University must be in compliance with the World Wide Web standards defined in the Federal Rehabilitation Act Section 508, specifically subsections 1194.22 and subsection 1194.31.
- Reasonable effort must be taken to ensure that legacy Web pages and resources are in compliance with these subsections of Federal Rehabilitation Act Section 508 no later than November 1, 2003. That effort must be documented. Legacy Web pages and resources will be considered those that are published prior to November 1, 2001.
- Upon specific request, information on legacy Web pages and resources is to be made available to any individual needing access to such content, by revision or otherwise. The unit responsible for the creation of the information on the Web is responsible for providing that access.
- Upon specific request, information on Web pages and resources in archive status (e.g. no longer in use but subject to records retention plans) containing core administrative or academic information, official records, and similar information) is to be made available/accessible to any individual needing access to such content, by revision or otherwise.
- What constitutes a Web page or other Web resource is to be interpreted broadly, and for example, does not depend upon the type of client or host device, the type of software on the client or host devices, or the technical means by which the client and host communicate over the Web.
- 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.
- For items 1 and 2 above, undue administrative or financial burdens may contribute to a determination that alternative formats be used to provide the information to individuals requiring use of the information. If compliance in specific instances appears to be impossible or an undue burden, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) may grant exceptions.
- Each Web site must contain an accessible link or a person to contact if users have trouble accessing content within the site. This would usually be the Web developer or publisher. The addition of a link or contact person is not sufficient, in and of itself, to comply with the World Wide Web Accessibility Policy.
Background
The World Wide Web is a major, if not a primary, source of information for many people. Acknowledging that the University of Wisconsin–Madison (hereafter referred to as the “University”) is engaged in Web development and publishing for all its constituencies, this policy establishes minimum standards for Web accessibility.
The University, along with UW–System, endorses the Guidelines of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) as the standard for World Wide Web accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. W3C is composed of over 400 member organizations world-wide (public and private) developing common protocols to promote the evolution of the World Wide Web and ensure its inter-operability. As part of its work, the W3C has developed accessibility guidelines for the World Wide Web. The standards of the Federal Rehabilitation Act (Section 508) are consistent with the W3C Guidelines and provide achievable, well documented guidelines for implementation.
Authority
Issued by the UW-Madison Vice Provost for Information Technology.
Enforcement
If necessary, at the discretion of the university leadership or their designees, some or all non-compliant portions of Web pages and resources may be brought into compliance by designated staff or contractors and the expense of that work may be charged to the UW-Madison unit that is responsible for assuring the accessibility of that information on the Web.
Contact
Please address questions or comments to itpolicy@cio.wisc.edu.
