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:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at level Double-A for all Web-based applications, web content, and digital documents
- Revised Section 508 Standards for all Software and Hardware EIT.
Digital Content Accessibility Standards (DCAS)
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 |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
A text equivalent for every non-text element is provided (“alt” tags/text, captions, transcripts, etc.). |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Link text describes the destination of the link (No "click here" or "learn more") |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
All links are distinguishable (must be able to differentiate links from the non-link text) |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Graphs, charts, and maps include contextual or supporting details in the text surrounding the image |
|
X |
Content creator |
Color |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Color is not the only means used to convey information |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
There is sufficient contrast between the foreground color and background color |
X |
|
Content creator |
Typograph |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Use readable fonts and sizes, color contrast, and keep the number of fonts used to a minimum |
X |
|
Content creator |
Data Tables |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Table header rows and columns are assigned |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
When possible, information is displayed in a linear format, not as a table |
|
X |
Content creator |
|
Avoid split cells, empty cells, merged cells, and embedded tables |
|
X |
Content creator |
Images |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Provide meaningful alt text for all images, except as described below: |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Use null alt text for decorative images (alt= "") |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Images used as links (without accompanying text description) have alt text indicating link target |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
If the same visual presentation can be made using text alone, an image cannot present it. |
|
X |
Content creator |
Formulas |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
For web pages, use an equation editor that outputs MathML. (e.g., MathType) |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
For documents and presentations, use an equation editor that supports accessibility (e.g., MathType) |
X |
|
Content creator |
Structure and Navigation |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Fillable documents (forms) are labeled appropriately |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Machine-readable (confirm doc is not an image and text is renderable) |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Keyboard navigable |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Reading order is logical and intuitive (Verify reading order using the tab key) |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
The document contains a descriptive page title that makes sense |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Use source (original) document when possible - apply accessibility features within the source document |
|
X |
Content creator |
|
Heading structure includes an H1 tag and does not skip levels (is sequential) |
|
X |
Content creator |
|
Use the built-in features, styles, and templates (including predefined slides) of software to align spacing and designate lists |
|
X |
Content creator |
|
Use different titles for each presentation slide |
|
X |
Content creator |
Multimedia |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Establish a timely process for requesting synchronized captions for multimedia |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Provide synchronized captions for newly created or adopted audio-video content |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Provide transcripts for audio-only content |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Provide descriptive audio for audio-video and video-only content when visual information is not covered in the narration |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Confirm video player controls are available and accessible via keyboard |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Confirm audio, and the video does not begin playing on page load |
X |
|
Content creator |
|
Provide synchronized captions for live audio-video content |
|
X |
|
Accessibility Awareness & Verification |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Course syllabi contain an accessibility statement to inform students of available campus resources |
X |
|
Provost/individual faculty |
|
Use built-in accessibility checkers in various software tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat) |
|
X |
Content creator |
|
Newly developed courses undergo an accessibility review |
X |
|
Provost/CELT |
|
Recurring existing courses undergo an accessibility review |
|
X |
Provost/CELT |
Classroom Accessibility Standards (CAS)
The following SUNY Standards confirm the physical accessibility of classroom and event spaces, and identifies the office responsible for implementation.
Assistive Listening Systems Availability* |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
For spaces less than or equal to 50 seats = two receivers |
X |
|
MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms) |
|
51 - 200 seats = 2 receivers plus 1 receiver per every 25 seats over 50 |
X |
|
MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms) |
|
201 - 500 seats = 2 receivers plus 1 receiver per every 25 seats over 50 |
X |
|
MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms) |
|
501 - 1000 seats = 20 receivers plus 1 per every 33 seats over 500 |
X |
|
MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms) |
|
1001 - 2000 seats = 35 receivers plus 1 per every 50 seats over 1000 |
X |
|
MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms) |
|
2001 and over = 55 receivers plus 1 per every 100 seats over 2000 seats |
X |
|
MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms) |
|
Assisted Listening Systems shall be capable of providing audio at a sound pressure range between 110dB to 118dB, with a volume sweep of 50dB |
X |
|
MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms) |
|
Hearing Loop installation |
|
X |
MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms) |
|
Summed audio output available in room AV system |
|
X |
MSE/CPDC (non-registrar rooms) |
Classroom Controls – Color Blindness |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Color choices on control systems should reflect universal design for common color blindness accommodation (Top choices would be black, yellow/orange, blue) |
|
X |
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) |
|
X |
AV/Building Managers
|
*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.
Non-EIT: Classrooms and Event Spaces
Classroom Seating and Access |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Classrooms with 4 - 25 seats, 1 wheelchair space required |
X |
|
CPDC/Faculty |
|
Classrooms with 26 - 50 seats, 2 wheelchair spaces required |
X |
|
CPDC/Faculty |
|
Classrooms with 51 - 150 seats, 4 wheelchair spaces required |
X |
|
CPDC/Faculty |
|
Classrooms with 151 - 300 seats, 5 wheelchair spaces required |
X |
|
CPDC/Faculty |
|
Classrooms with 301 - 500 seats, 6 wheelchair spaces required |
X |
|
CPDC/Faculty |
|
Classrooms with 501 - 5000 seats, 6 wheelchair spaces plus 1 for each 150 above 501. |
X |
|
CPDC/Faculty |
|
Classrooms with 5001 and over, 36 wheelchair spaces plus 1 for each 200 over 500. |
X |
|
CPDC/Faculty |
|
A single wheelchair space is defined as 36" x 48", making provisions for space entry, turnaround, and knee/toe clearance |
X |
|
CPDC/Faculty |
|
Wheelchair spaces shall have similar lines of sight to instructor as other student stations |
X |
|
CPDC/Faculty |
|
Accessible pathways in to and out of classrooms shall be 36" wide, with no less than 32" of passing clearance based on wall features |
X |
|
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.) |
X |
|
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. |
X |
|
CPDC/Faculty |
|
Bariatric seating options should be made available wherever possible |
|
X |
CPDC/Faculty |
Signage |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
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. |
X |
|
AV/CPDC (non-registrar rooms) |
|
Doors at exit passages shall include tactile signage at 48" above the finished floor |
X |
|
Campus Operations & Maintenance |
|
Wheelchair accessible student stations are to be identified by a common symbol |
X |
|
Academic Facilities /Campus Operations & Maintenance |
Procurement standards and Responsibilities
The following table lists the SUNY Procurement Standards and the person or office Responsible for complying with the required action.
Preliminary Steps |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Gauge potential impact on the University of a particular product or service's accessibility |
x |
|
Product Requestor, WAO/EITC/Accessibility review committee |
Gathering Information |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Include accessibility in pre-purchase documents/questionnaires |
x |
|
WAO/EITC/Procurement/Requestor |
|
Commitment to accessibility is reflected in RFP language |
x |
|
Procurement, product Requestor |
|
Collect documentation verifying EIT accessibility conformance (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) |
x |
|
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. |
x |
|
Product Requestor |
Review Product/Service |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
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). |
x |
|
WAO/EITC/Accessibility Review Committee |
|
Conduct Exceptions on a case-by-case basis |
x |
|
WAO/EITC/Accessibility Review Committee |
|
Prepare an Equally Effective Alternate Access Plan for non-conforming EIT, to be approved by (Accessibility Review Committee) |
x |
|
Product Requestor |
|
Evaluate RFP EIT finalists through live accessibility demonstration |
|
x |
WAO/EITC/Accessibility Review Committee |
Place Order |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Include accessibility assurances in purchase agreements; add milestones to remediate accessibility gaps identified inaccessibility roadmap |
x |
|
Procurement, WAO/EITC |
|
Set a calendar date to check in with the vendor on accessibility improvements (e.g., annually) |
x |
|
Product Requestor must follow up with Vendor, and transmit information to WAO/EITC and Procurement, verifying compliance |
Library Accessibility Guidelines (LAG)
The following table lists the SUNY Library accessibility guidelines and the person or office Responsible for implementing each action.
Library Services |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Establish policies and procedures for making library materials accessible in a variety of formats (e.g., requests for accommodation, alternative format, OCR scans |
X |
Library Accessibility Working Group (LAWG) |
|
|
Designate a liaison or contact within the library to provide EIT-related support |
X |
|
Web Services and Data Librarian |
|
Provide instructions, documentation, and handouts available in an accessible digital format upon request |
X |
Director of Access Services, Digital Projects Librarian, and Accessibility Liaison |
|
|
Provide access, resource, and service information on a library accessibility webpage (see the Non-EIT Appendix for additional web page recommendations) |
X |
Web Services Librarian/Accessibility Liaison |
|
|
Provide training to library staff on available assistive technology and EIT best practices |
X |
SASC, WAO/EITC, Accessibility Liaison, Director of Access Services |
|
|
Provide assistive technologies and equipment in computer labs, particularly in specialized spaces such as makerspaces |
X |
SASC, DoIT, Library |
|
Digitizing Content |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Confirm documents and forms digitized or hosted by the library are accessible or can be made accessible upon request |
X |
|
Digital Projects Librarian and Web Services Librarian |
|
Perform high-quality source document scans |
X |
|
Digital Projects Librarian |
|
When scans for instructional and research materials are requested (e.g., course reserves, ILL), conduct necessary OCR scans (text-renderable). Purchasing a new digital document, physical book, or processing by an external vendor may be required to achieve essential accessibility. |
X |
|
Director of Access Services and Digital Projects Librarian |
|
Identify and purchase materials that are captioned, or allow and promote the use of the interlibrary loan to request captioned titles if your library owns the (uncaptioned) item |
X |
|
Associate Dean for Collection Strategy and Management, Director of Access Services |
|
Include transcripts for any media recordings |
X |
Multimedia Resources Specialist |
Non-EIT Appendix: Libraries
Webpage for Library Accessibility (Includes the Following Information) |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Liaison or contact person within the library for general accessibility support, if different from EIT-accessibility liaison |
X |
Accessibility Liaison |
|
|
Information about adaptive software or technology available through the library |
X |
Web Services Librarian and Director of Access Services |
|
|
Elevator, entrance, and restroom access |
X |
Director of Access Services |
|
|
Information about circulating adaptive technology, if available |
X |
Director of Access Services |
|
Additional Library Services |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
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 |
X |
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. |
X |
Associate Dean for Collection Strategy and Management |
|
|
Provide clear signage for scanner and print stations |
|
X |
DoIT |
|
Event materials have an equal access statement to provide patrons an opportunity to request accommodations |
|
X |
Communications and Outreach Working Group |
Assistive Technology |
Required |
Strongly Recommended |
Responsibility |
|
Accessible technology is made readily available to students, faculty, and staff using library resources |
X |
Director of Access Services |
|
|
Clearly advertise where and how to access assistive software or hardware (e.g., webpage for library accessibility) |
X |
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 |
X |
Associate Dean for Library Technology |
|
|
Basic Technology (free or low cost): |
|
|
|
|
Screen magnification (Zoom Text) |
X |
DoIT, SASC, WAO/EITC |
|
|
Text magnification - hard copy (CCTV) |
X |
DoIT, SASC, WAO/EITC |
|
|
Screen reader |
X |
DoIT, SASC, WAO/EITC |
|
|
Large type/contrast keyboard; alphabet-order keyboards |
X |
DoIT, SASC |
|
|
Furniture at the appropriate height for wheelchairs |
X |
Library |
|
|
Advanced Technology (paid licenses or higher cost): |
|
|
|
|
Speech-to-text (Dragon Naturally) and text-to-speech (Kurzweil 3000, JAWS, Read&Write GOLD) |
X |
SASC, WAO/EITC |
|
|
Braille embosser/printer with conversion software |
X |
SASC, WAO/EITC |
|
|
Specialized hardware (noise reduction headphones, trackball mouse, microphones, etc.) |
X |
DoIT |
|
|
Separate Assistive Technology Labs/Spaces and Other Accommodations: |
|
|
|
|
Scent-free |
X |
Director of Access Services |
|
|
Quieter/reduced stimulus space |
X |
Director of Access Services |
|
|
Adjustable tables and/or chairs |
X |
Director of Access Services |
|
|
Access to more specialized software and equipment (paid licenses) |
X |
DoIT, Library |
|
|
Provide assistive technology kits that can be borrowed, including items such as trackball mouse, large type keyboard, magnifiers |
X |
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 |