ICT Implementation Plan

In Spring 2017, in support of the adoption of 4-16 University policy regarding electronic and information technology accessibility, an ICT accessibility prioritization plan was created to provide an initial framework to support implementation of the policy.

Recognizing the need for a more formal framework, work began in Summer 2017 to explore and develop a formal implementation plan and specific timelines for ICT initiatives. The work to develop the plan concluded June, 2018.

This page provides the final results of that work and serves to document the overall process and future initiatives. The plan was created using techniques outlined in VMOSA (Vision, Mission, Objectives, Strategies, and Action Plans). As noted on the Community Tool Box site, VMOSA is "...used to help community groups define a vision and develop practical ways to enact change."

We hope that this important work will provide a strong framework for continued growth of ICT initiatives and help Kent State University chart a successful path in the continued promotion of a digital environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all individuals.

Please check back often for updates.

Contributors

This plan was created in collaboration with the representatives from the following areas:

  • Center for Student Involvement
  • Center for Teaching and Learning
  • Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • College of Aeronautics and Engineering
  • College of Education, Health and Human Services
  • Finance
  • General Counsel
  • Information Technology
  • Internal Audit
  • Office of Continuing and Distance Education
  • One Stop
  • Provost’s Office
  • Regional Campus
  • Student Accessibility Services
  • Division of Student Affairs
  • University Communications and Marketing
Vision and Mission

Vision

Kent State University will ensure the accessibility of information and communication technology within our academic and administrative environments.

Mission

To provide and promote an inclusive and supportive digital environment to our students, staff, faculty, and the community.  This is accomplished by fostering a culture of collaboration and community engagement, leveraging synergies, and promoting universal design for equal access for people of all abilities.

Strategic Opportunities

Awareness & Education

(Aligns with Strategic Roadmap - Priority 1: Students First, Initiative 1.4: Strengthen diversity and the cultural competence of students, faculty, and staff systemwide)

  • By 2020, make 100% of staff and faculty in academic units, divisions, and regional campuses aware of ICT accessibility initiatives, compliance responsibilities, resources, and best practices.
  • By 2020, establish “ICT accessibility advocates” within 90% of academic units, divisions, and regional campuses.

Networking & Communication

(Aligns with Strategic Roadmap - Priority 5: Organizational Stewardship, Initiative 5.3: Establish a culture of sustainability and continuous improvement)  

  • By 2019, establish permanent ICT Accessibility Committee (composed of key university stakeholders) to promote ICT initiatives, provide leadership to the university community, and advance recommendations
    to University Leadership.
  • By 2020, clearly define and identify ICT accessibility support networks within all academic units, divisions, and regional campuses.

Implementation & Evaluation

(Aligns with Strategic Roadmap - Priority 5: Organizational Stewardship, Initiative 5.3: Establish a culture of sustainability and continuous improvement)

  • By 2019, develop a methodology for and technological system to collect/manage/report on data from ICT accessibility activities including outreach, support, training and development, remediation of digital content, and other related activities.
  • By 2019, establish an annual audit report for ICT accessibility involving SAS, Information Services, General Counsel, Procurement, UCM, Online Learning, and others.
  • By 2020, develop a plan and secure funding commitments for ICT Accessibility costs including staffing, support, resources, and development.
  • By 2021, 90% of academic units, divisions, and regional campuses will develop and start to implement plans to create and remediate digital material in their respective areas.
Early Success and In Development

Early Success

  • RFP/RFQ/RFI process modified to include evaluation of ICT products and/or services

  • Established ICT Exception workflow in DocuSign

  • Since Fall 2016, delivered 22 ICT Accessibility roadshows (overview) to over 600 faculty and staff

  • Since Fall 2016, delivered 20 ICT accessibility training sessions to over 157 faculty and staff

  • Worked with General Counsel and Procurement to modify contracts and Terms of Service to reflect ICT accessibility requirements

  • Launched new accessibility page, www.kent.edu/accessibility, which includes the accessibility concerns form - a mechanism for KSU staff, faculty, students and the general public to report accessibility issues in our digital and physical environments

In Development

  • Collaborating with Procurement to explore new ways to monitor and track sub-RFP purchases for ICT Accessibility products and/or services

  • Working with Information Technology to create formal evaluation standards and testing protocols for ICT Accessibility products and/or services

  • Development of RAPIDTM model for digital content remediation

  • Early collaboration with University Libraries to address ICT accessibility for digital collections, archives, and course reserves

  • Consultation with University College on a new project to remediate the digital accessibility of over 80 custom-built forms

Action Plans

Our action plans were created to provide a mechanism to bring our goals and objectives to life. As we work to implement the plans, they will likely be modified and expanded over time.

A top level overview of the action plans is provided below. Further details are forthcoming.

  • Receive charge from senior leadership to establish ICT Advisory Group
  • Find technological solutions to track and share information about ICT Accessibility initiatives
  • Develop additional resources to support ICT Accessibility initiatives
  • Develop an ICT Accessibility advocate program
  • Develop new methods to communicate about ICT Accessibility
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