Section 508 Compliance/Accessibility: ACT - Accessibility Compliance Taskforce

As we continue to work towards a complete ADA compliant and accessible campus, Dalton State is excited about Phase II of this endeavor. While Phase I took a general approach towards introducing the importance of 508 Compliance to the campus, Phase II concentrates on a more personal approach with the decision to create an Accessibility Compliance Taskforce (ACT as it will be known). This proactive move on the part of our administration will make our campus more aware of the requirements, more accessible to all, and ultimately legally compliant. 

ACT members are charged with supporting and promoting compliance on our campus. They are the go-to person for their school's or department's accessibility needs making sure all emails, documents, forms, websites, and videos are accessible. They will contact the co-chairs as required. Our campus is federally mandated by section 508 of the United States Workforce Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a disability rights law . This law mandates that all electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, and/or used by our campus be accessible to people with disabilities. In simple terms, our campus must work to make sure all documents, forms, websites, videos, and even emails are accessible - Every Unit on campus will eventually be "accessible savvy".

• Section 508 - an amendment to the United States Workforce Rehabilitation Act of 1973, is a federal law mandating that all electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by the federal government be accessible to people with disabilities.
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (another disability rights law) -  prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs run by federal agencies; programs that receive federal financial assistance; in federal employment; and in the employment practices of federal contractors.
• Why Our Compliance - States that receive funds through the Assistive Technology Act are required to comply with 508. Georgia receives funds under the Assistive Technology Act. Therefore, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has determined that all institutions under the Board of Regents fall within the scope of Section 508 standards. The Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards were released on December 21, 2000, consequently the deadline for 508 compliance was June 21, 2001.

Co-Chairs are here to strengthen your ability to identify, evaluate, and communicate strategies, techniques, and solutions for providing electronic information and communication technology services to our campus of students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

ACT members must also complete the Georgia Institute of Technology’s free *ICT Accessibility **MOOC. This **MOOC is a 6 module, 2-3 hour each, self-paced course that can be completed at your own speed. 

• Locate the course here: https://www.edx.org/course/information-communication-technology-ict-gtx-ict100x . Use the free version when setting up your account and complete the videos, information reading, and quizzes. You are not required to complete any exercises.

*ICT - Information and Communications Technology (Technologies) is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications. Everything covered in the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards. 

**MOOC - (massive open online course) - this course will expand your knowledge about and your ability to identify issues and design solutions for information and communication technology (*ICT) accessibility for our students with (and without) disabilities. 

Accessibility - Access for All - those with bad eyesight, hearing complications, mobility issues, non-English speaking students, the elderly, and yes, those of us with more than adequate capabilities to muddle along without assistance. Accessibility means Access for All.

Andrea Roberson, M.P.A.
Director of Disability Access and Student Support Services
aroberson@daltonstate.edu      
706-272-2524

Pat Horton
LMS Admin/Instructional Technologist
phorton@daltonstate.edu
706-272-4401