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The Accessible IT Group (AITG) promotes and supports the inclusion of students with disabilities in the information technology environment of the University of Illinois. Just like curb cuts and ramps made it possible for students in wheelchairs to attend the university in the 1950s, IT accessibility is providing the pathways for everyone to maneuver the internet easily, including those with disabilities. The work of AITG includes collaborations with campus faculty, instructional developers, software developers, and more. Note: Links on this page open in a separate tab or browser window.
Mission Statement
The mission of Accessible IT Group (AITG) is to promote a campus environment that integrates the universal design of information technology resources through outreach, evaluation, collaboration, education, research and adaptive technologies to ensure the inclusion of students with disabilities in the Illinois Experience.
Strategic Goals
- To promote the use of universal design and accessibility principles and practices.
- To develop a knowledge base on accessible design techniques.
- To maximize the effectiveness and accessibility of learning environments.
Group Members
- Jon Gunderson, Coordinator
- Christy Blew, IT Accessibility Specialist in Training and Outreach
- Lori Lane, IT Accessibility Specialist in Universal Design
- Nicholas Hoyt, Software Development and Interaction Design Specialist
Campus Committees and Policies
- Chancellor's Committee on Access and Accommodations (CCAA)
- Electronic Information Technology Accessibility Policy
IT Accessibility Laws
- Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973)
- Section 508 of the Reauthorized Rehabilitation Act of 1998
- Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008
- Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act (the TEACH Act, 2002)
- Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (2010)
- Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (2018)
IT Accessibility Standards
- W3C Web Accessibility Content Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG)
- HMTL5.2
- W3C Accessible Rich Internet Applications 1.1
- PDF/UA (PDF Association)
- ePub3.0 - Digital Book Publishing Standard
Other Resources
- Deque: International Disability Statistics Resources
- Educause: IT Accessibility Risk Statements and Evidence (2015)
- Higher Ed Accessibility Lawsuits, Complaints, and Settlements (from University of Minnesota - Duluth)
- IT Accessibility: What Campus Leaders Have to Say (video from Project DO-IT, University of Washington)
- Captions: Improving Access to Postsecondary Education (video from Project DO-IT, University of Washington)