Web Access for All Tool Kit
K-State's tool kit to assist University web developers
Accessibility defined
What accessibility means and how it affects web sites
Legal requirements
Describes K-State's federal and state legal obligations
Guidelines and standards
Links to federal, state, W3C guidelines and policies
Tools
Links to tools that can assist in achieving accessibility
Training and online tutorials
Links to classes and online training
Resources
Information about accessible emerging technologies and web-delivered curriculum
MEMORANDUM
TO: Provost, Vice Presidents, Deans, Department Heads, and Unit Directors
FROM: Jon Wefald, President
RE: Web Access for All--Tool Kit
DATE: December 10, 2001
As one of the most wired campuses in the country, Kansas State University recognizes the important role that the Internet plays in education, work, and citizen participation in a democracy. To take the next step forward, we must do our part by making K-State's official web sites accessible to all. Over the next few months, all units of the campus will be working to implement accessible designs for web pages.
As most of you know, K-State is required by Federal law under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to provide access to its programs and services to all qualified individuals. Other federal legislation requires K-State to construct new buildings with wheelchair access. Moreover, K-State should develop new official web sites that provide access to persons who use the web through screen readers, can not hear audio content, or are unable to use a mouse. In accordance with the State of Kansas Web Accessibility Requirements, all new official web sites must be accessible. For existing official web sites, the final date for compliance is March 31, 2002. Official sites include all departmental, college, and administrative units.
This Web Access for All tool kit has been developed by the University Web Accessibility Committee to assist the web developers in your units. The tool kit contains a set of guidelines, a web accessibility brochure, a resources and tools bookmark, and a campus training schedule. In addition, the Information Technology Assistance Center (iTAC) is prepared to provide training to faculty and staff without charge. You may also wish to visit the K-State Web Content Accessibility Web Site at http://www.ksu.edu/tools/access. This site contains a definition of accessibility, provides an overview of our legal responsibilities, and links to numerous resources, tools, and several on-line tutorials.
With your help, we will meet the goal of web access for all.