I. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
ABCO is committed to ensuring equal access to digital information, services, and opportunities for all individuals, including those with disabilities. We embrace universal design principles to create digital products and services that are usable by everyone without the need for specialized accommodations.
Scope: This policy applies to all Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) developed, procured, or used by ABCO, including websites, applications, digital documents, multimedia content, and electronic resources.
Exclusions: Personal, non-business digital content and third-party content over which ABCO has no editorial control.
II. LEGAL FOUNDATION
This policy supports compliance with:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Section 508 Standards
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
- Applicable state and local accessibility regulations
III. KEY DEFINITIONS
Accessibility Standard: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, maintained by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
ICT (Information and Communications Technologies): Digital technologies including websites, applications, documents, multimedia, software, and electronic communications.
Accommodation: Individualized modifications that enable equal access for individuals with disabilities.
Alternative Format: Accessible versions of information (large print, audio, electronic text compatible with screen readers).
IV. POLICY REQUIREMENTS
A. Accessibility Standards
All ABCO ICT must conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
B. Implementation Timeline
- New ICT: Must meet accessibility standards before deployment
- Existing ICT Priority Schedule:
- High Priority (6 months): Public-facing websites, customer service systems
- Medium Priority (12 months): Internal business systems, training materials
- Low Priority (18 months): Archived content, legacy systems
C. Procurement Requirements
All ICT procurement must include:
- Accessibility conformance reports from vendors
- Contract clauses requiring accessibility compliance
- Remediation timelines for identified issues
V. RESPONSIBILITIES
CEO: Ultimate responsibility for policy compliance and fostering digital inclusion culture.
Digital Accessibility Coordinator: Policy implementation, training coordination, compliance monitoring, and primary contact for accessibility issues.
IT Department: Technical implementation, system testing, vendor management.
All Departments: Create accessible content, report issues, support user accommodations.
VI. EXCEPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES
Exceptions may be granted when compliance is technically infeasible or creates undue burden. Exception requests must include:
- Detailed accessibility analysis
- Alternative solutions explored
- Equally effective alternative access plan
- Timeline for achieving full compliance
VII. TRAINING
All Employees: Basic accessibility awareness and individual responsibilities.
Content Creators: Accessible content creation techniques and testing procedures.
IT Personnel: Technical implementation, testing methodologies, and assistive technology compatibility.
VIII. TESTING AND EVALUATION
Testing Methods:
- Automated accessibility scanning tools
- Manual testing including keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility
- User testing with individuals with disabilities
Evaluation Schedule:
- Continuous automated monitoring
- Quarterly reviews of high-priority systems
- Annual comprehensive audits
IX. REPORTING AND FEEDBACK
Contact Information:
- Email: info@abcotechnology.edu
- Phone: 310.216.307
Response Timeline:
- Acknowledgment: 72 hours
- Investigation: 7 business days
- Resolution: 24 hours to 8 weeks based on severity
X. COMPLIANCE MONITORING
ABCO tracks:
- Accessibility conformance levels
- Issues identified and resolved
- Response times and user satisfaction
- Training completion rates
Reporting:
- Quarterly internal progress reports
- Annual public accessibility statement