/Office Of Equity & Access
Accessibility & Accommodations

Stony Brook University EIT Accessibility Plan

To assist the campus in providing an accessible digital experience for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities, and in compliance with SUNY Policy 6901, stony Brook University has developed its Electronic Information Technology Accessibility Plan.

 

 

Stony Brook University has adopted and incorporated the following standards by which we will measure accessibility conformance:

The following SUNY Digital Content accessibility standards are provided as a reference. These standards must be followed by all who create digital documents to confirm accessibility when creating their content. 


Text Alternatives

  • A text equivalent for every non-text element is provided (“alt” tags/text, captions, transcripts, etc.).
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Link text describes the destination of the link (No "click here" or "learn more")
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • All links are distinguishable (must be able to differentiate links from the non-link text)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Graphs, charts, and maps include contextual or supporting details in the text surrounding the image
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: Content Creator

Color 

  • Color is not the only means used to convey information
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • There is sufficient contrast between the foreground color and background color
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator

Typograph

  • Use readable fonts and sizes, color contrast, and keep the number of fonts used to a minimum
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator

Data Tables

  • Table header rows and columns are assigned
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • When possible, information is displayed in a linear format, not as a table
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Strongly Recommended
  • Avoid split cells, empty cells, merged cells, and embedded tables
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: Strongly Recommended

Images

Provide meaningful alt text for all images, except as described below: 

  • Use null alt text for decorative images (alt= "")
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Images used as links (without accompanying text description) have alt text indicating link target
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • If the same visual presentation can be made using text alone, an image cannot present it.
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: Content Creator

Formulas

  • For web pages, use an equation editor that outputs MathML. (e.g., MathType)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • For documents and presentations, use an equation editor that supports accessibility (e.g., MathType)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator

Structure and Navigation

  • Fillable documents (forms) are labeled appropriately
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Machine-readable (confirm doc is not an image and text is renderable)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Keyboard navigable
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Reading order is logical and intuitive (Verify reading order using the tab key)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • The document contains a descriptive page title that makes sense
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Use source (original) document when possible - apply accessibility features within the source document
    • Mandate: Strong Recommended
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Heading structure includes an H1 tag and does not skip levels (is sequential) 
    • Mandate: Strong Recommended
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Use the built-in features, styles, and templates (including predefined slides) of software to align spacing and designate lists 
    • Mandate: Strong Recommended
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Use different titles for each presentation slide 
    • Mandate: Strong Recommended
    • Responsibility: Content Creator

Multimedia

  • Establish a timely process for requesting synchronized captions for multimedia
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Provide synchronized captions for newly created or adopted audio-video content
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Provide transcripts for audio-only content
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Provide descriptive audio for audio-video and video-only content when visual information is not covered in the narration
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Confirm video player controls are available and accessible via keyboard
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Confirm audio, and the video does not begin playing on page load
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Provide synchronized captions for live audio-video content
    • Mandate: Strong Recommended
    • Responsibility: Content Creator

Accessibility Awareness & Verification

  • Course syllabi contain an accessibility statement to inform students of available campus resources
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Provost/individual faculty
  • Use built-in accessibility checkers in various software tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat)
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: Content Creator
  • Newly developed courses undergo an accessibility review
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Provost/CELT
  • Recurring existing courses undergo an accessibility review
    • Mandate: Strong Recommended
    • Responsibility: Provost/CELT 

The following SUNY Standards confirm the physical accessibility of classroom and event spaces, and identifies the office responsible for implementation. 

Assistive Listening Systems Availability* 

  • For spaces less than or equal to 50 seats = two receivers
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
  • 51 - 200 seats = 2 receivers plus 1 receiver per every 25 seats over 50
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
  • 201 - 500 seats = 2 receivers plus 1 receiver per every 25 seats over 50
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
  • 1001 - 2000 seats = 35 receivers plus 1 per every 50 seats over 1000
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
  • 2001 and over = 55 receivers plus 1 per every 100 seats over 2000 seats
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
  • Hearing Loop installation
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
  • Summed audio output available in room AV system
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)

*Assisted Listening Systems to come in many shapes and delivery methods. Wi-Fi, FM, RF, and Bluetooth systems can be leveraged to keep costs low. Systems specific to individuals can be used in place of installed systems and still meet the regulations.


Classroom Controls – Color Blindness

  • Color choices on control systems should reflect universal design for common color blindness accommodation (Top choices would be black, yellow/orange, blue)
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
  • Emergency Notifications in Classrooms should reflect universal design for common color blindness accommodation (Top choices would be black, yellow/orange, blue)
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)

Non-EIT: Classrooms and Event Spaces

Classroom Seating and Access

  • Classrooms with 4 - 25 seats, 1 wheelchair space required
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty
  • Classrooms with 26 - 50 seats, 2 wheelchair spaces required
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty
  • Classrooms with 51 - 150 seats, 4 wheelchair spaces required
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty
  • Classrooms with 151 - 300 seats, 5 wheelchair spaces required
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty
  • Classrooms with 301 - 500 seats, 6 wheelchair spaces required
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty
  • Classrooms with 501 - 5000 seats, 6 wheelchair spaces plus 1 for each 150 above 501.
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty: MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
  • Classrooms with 5001 and over, 36 wheelchair spaces plus 1 for each 200 over 500.
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty
  • A single wheelchair space is defined as 36" x 48", making provisions for space entry, turnaround, and knee/toe clearance
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty
  • Wheelchair spaces shall have similar lines of sight to instructor as other student stations
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty
  • Accessible pathways into and out of classrooms shall be 36" wide, with no less than 32" of passing clearance based on wall features
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty
  • Doors and doorways to Classrooms shall conform to section 403 standards based on how the classroom is set up (entry & exit points, hallways, door opening direction, double doors, etc.)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty
  • Wheelchair turn around space shall be accommodated based on space needs of wheelchair spaces, including instructor area. Various provisions exist based on room layouts.
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty
  • Bariatric seating options should be made available wherever possible
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: CPDC/Faculty: MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)

Signage

  • Accessible Room features like Assisted Listening Systems shall include appropriate signage indicating their availability and information on obtaining them (or responsible office contact information). Signage shall be conspicuously placed.
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: AV/CPDC (non-registrar rooms)
  • Doors at exit passages shall include tactile signage at 48" above the finished floor
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Campus Operations & Maintenance
  • Wheelchair accessible student stations are to be identified by a common symbol
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Academic Facilities/Campus Operations & Maintenance

The following table lists the SUNY Procurement Standards and the person or office Responsible for complying with the required action.

Preliminary Steps

  • Gauge potential impact on the University of a particular product or service's accessibility
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Product Requestor, WAO/EITC/Accessibility review committee
 

Gathering Information

  • Include accessibility in pre-purchase documents/questionnaires
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: WAO/EITC/Procurement/Requestor
  • Commitment to accessibility is reflected in RFP language
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Procurement, product Requestor
  • Collect documentation verifying EIT accessibility conformance (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Product Requestor
  • Obtain Accessibility Roadmap - the document which addresses all [application] interface accessibility gaps, describes the timelines by which these accessibility gaps will be remediated, as well as recommendations regarding interim workarounds.
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Product Requestor
 

Review Product/Service

  • An appropriately qualified individual or entity should evaluate high impact EIT products and services. This evaluation should be documented and can be performed by campus personnel or through third-party vendors. The cost of an external review can be deferred to the prospective vendor(s).
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: WAO/EITC/Accessibility Review Committee
  • Conduct Exceptions on a case-by-case basis
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: WAO/EITC/Accessibility Review Committee
  • Prepare an Equally Effective Alternate Access Plan for non-conforming EIT, to be approved by (Accessibility Review Committee)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Product Requestor
  • Evaluate RFP EIT finalists through live accessibility demonstration
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: WAO/EITC/Accessibility Review Committee
 

Place Order

  • Include accessibility assurances in purchase agreements; add milestones to remediate accessibility gaps identified inaccessibility roadmap
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Procurement, WAO/EITC
  • Set a calendar date to check in with the vendor on accessibility improvements (e.g., annually)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Product Requestor must follow up with Vendor, and transmit information to WAO/EITC and Procurement, verifying compliance


Webpage for Library Accessibility (Includes the Following Information)

  • Liaison or contact person within the library for general accessibility support, if different from EIT-accessibility liaison
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Accessibility Liaison
  • Information about adaptive software or technology available through the library
    • Mandate:Required
    • Responsibility: Web Services Librarian and Director of Access Services
  • Elevator, entrance, and restroom access
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: Director of Access Services
  • Information about circulating adaptive technology, if available
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: Associate Dean for Collection Strategy and Management, Director of Access Services

Additional Library Services

  • Consider accessibility when making furniture and layout choices (i.e., the height of furniture, adjustable or not, leaving wide enough paths, placement/storage of tools) - refer to Classroom Technology and Design standards for further guidance
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Dean of Libraries and Associate Dean for Research and User Engagement
  • Collection development should include materials with accurate and current information on the spectrum of disabilities, issues, and services.
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Associate Dean for Collection Strategy and Management
  • Provide clear signage for scanner and print stations
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: DoIT
  • Event materials have an equal access statement to provide patrons an opportunity to request accommodations
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: Communications and Outreach Working Group
 

Assistive Technology

  • Accessible technology is made readily available to students, faculty, and staff using library resources
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Director of Access Services
  • Clearly advertise where and how to access assistive software or hardware (e.g., webpage for library accessibility)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Director of Access Services
  • Incorporate induction loop technology in rooms where events/speakers are hosted - refer to Classroom Technology and Design standards for further guidance
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: Associate Dean for Library Technology

Basic Technology (free or low cost): 

  • Screen magnification (Zoom Text)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: DoIT, SASC, WAO/EITC
  • Text magnification - hard copy (CCTV)
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: DoIT, SASC, WAO/EITC
  • Screen reader
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: DoIT, SASC, WAO/EITC
  • Large type/contrast keyboard; alphabet-order keyboards
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: DoIT, SASC
  • Furniture at the appropriate height for wheelchairs
    • Mandate: Required
    • Responsibility: Library

Advanced Technology (paid licenses or higher cost): 

  • Speech-to-text (Dragon Naturally) and text-to-speech (Kurzweil 3000, JAWS, Read&Write GOLD)
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: SASC, WAO/EITC
  • Braille embosser/printer with conversion software
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: SASC, WAO/EITC
  • Specialized hardware (noise reduction headphones, trackball mouse, microphones, etc.)
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: DoIT

Separate Assistive Technology Labs/Spaces and Other Accommodations:

  • Scent-free
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: Director of Access Services
  • Quieter/reduced stimulus space
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: Director of Access Services
  • Adjustable tables and/or chairs
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: Director of Access Services
  • Access to more specialized software and equipment (paid licenses)
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: DoIT, Library
  • Provide assistive technology kits that can be borrowed, including items such as trackball mouse, large type keyboard, magnifiers
    • Mandate: Strongly Recommended
    • Responsibility: DoIT, Library

 

Steering Committee Membership

Name

Office

   Glenn Dausch (Committee Chair)   

Office of Equity and Access

Ahmed Belazi

Student Affairs

Marisa Bisiani

Student affairs

Judith Clarke

Office of the Chief Diversity Officer

Barbara Cole

Stony Brook Medicine Information Technology

Kara DeSanna

Office of the Provost

Patricia Dunn

University Senate

Rose Tirotta-Esposito

   Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching   

Shafeek Fazal

Libraries

Antonio Ferrantino

Office of Equity and Access

Michael Gasparino

Marketing and Communications

Danielle Greco

Stony Brook Medicine Information Technology

Judith Greiman

Office of the President

Lynn Johnson

Human Resource Services

Linda Santos

Procurement

Marjolie Leonard

Office of Equity and Access

Tiffany Martin

Student Affairs

Charlie McMahon

Division of Information Technology

Matthew Nappi

Division of Information Technology

Jennifer Rossler

Human Resource Services

Suzanne Shane

Office of General Counsel

Michael Standridge

Procurement

Marrisa Trachtenberg

Division of Enterprise Risk Management 

Michael Tricarico

Student Accessibility Support Center

Diana Voss

Division of Information Technology

Jacquelyn Weisman

Office of General Counsel