Accessibility-CQI

Accessibility CQI Communications Guidelines

Objective

In 2018-19, JCCC convened a cross-functional interdepartmental group to work together to determine how well JCCC is meeting its legal obligations to ensure that all digital information for use by faculty, staff, students, prospective students and the public are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.

In 2019-20, this group became the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility Committee. The committee filed a CQI proposal with Sheri Barrett to formalize our efforts. The proposal, which was accepted, focused on the following outcomes, which align with the committee’s objectives:

  • Develop an inventory of existing resources and procedures used to support Information and Communication Technology Accessibility at Johnson County Community College.
  • Explore and recommend the use of a 3rd party to perform a comprehensive audit of our services and procedures regarding information and communication technology accessibility for students, employees and community members with disabilities.
  • Promote Institutional awareness of information and communication technology accessibility for ongoing communication, training and support.
  • Evaluate the need and request resources needed to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, and Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Audience

  • JCCC full-time faculty and bargaining unit employees who create documents and other digital content for use in courses
  • JCCC adjunct faculty who create documents and other digital content for use in courses
  • JCCC full- and part-time salaried and hour staff who create documents and other digital content for use by students and the public

Why is accessibility important?

In addition to being federally mandated, providing accessible information to faculty, staff, students and the public is simply the right thing to do. It supports JCCC’s mission to inspire learning to transform lives and strengthen communities, and it ensures that anyone who has the desire to access the education we offer can do so, regardless of their physical abilities. JCCC would never build a building without providing accessible bathroom facilities; similarly, we should not provide information in a way that is inaccessible to those who use screen readers or other assistive devices.

Activities under the CQI project

  • Develop an inventory of current resources and services available to support information and communication technology accessibility
  • Engage with a third party to perform an audit of the services and procedures around accessibility for students, employees and community members with disabilities
  • Promote awareness of accessibility across the institution through communication, training and support
  • Evaluate what is needed to ensure compliance with legal obligations regarding accessibility and request additional resources if such needs are identified

Activity Timeline

  • Inventory of Existing Resources (Fall 2019 – Spring 2020)
  • 3rd party audit (Spring 2020)
  • Arranged for campus audit through AHEAD
  • Listing of Best Practices – (Fall 2019 – Spring 2020)
  • Promotion of ICT Accessibility Awareness at JCCC (Spring 2020 PDD – Ongoing)
  • Budget and Resource Building (October – March 2020)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility Committee Members

  • Rick Moehring – Dean, Learner Engagement and Success
  • Vincent Miller – Dean, Academic Support
  • Judith Guzzy – Professor/Librarian
  • Julie Lombard – Procurement Services
  • Deanne Belshe – Manager, Digital and Web
  • Barrett Beasley – Director, Video Services
  • Ed Lovitt – Director, Educational Technology/Distance Learning
  • Shannon Ford- Executive Director, Academic Tech Services
  • Gwenda Hawk – Associate Professor, Legal Studies
  • Holly Dressler – Program Facilitator, Access Services