Oregon State University is committed to the goal of equal access to information technology and to proactive compliance with our obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to insure that all our programs, activities and services, including those provided through information technology, are accessible to persons with disabilities. This document contains guidelines for web page design, hardware, software and multimedia accessibility, to assist the University community in realizing this commitment.

The intent of these guidelines is to promote equal access to university electronic information resources, technologies and services for students, employees, guests and visitors including those with disabilities. The guidelines promote equality of access through design standards for websites and for hardware and software acquisition and development. The ultimate goal of the guidelines is that Oregon State University Web pages, information and services be accessible to the widest possible audience, including users of adaptive, alternate or emerging technologies.

These guidelines are meant to reflect the fundamental principles of equality of opportunity under Section 504 and the ADA. Equality of opportunity means more than equal treatment; it means an equal opportunity to participate, obtain the same result, gain the same benefit, or reach the same level of achievement, and that disparate or separate treatment should be permitted only when necessary for equal opportunity.

The guidelines cover the following specific areas:

1. Web-based information and services including those associated with courses of instruction, departmental programs, University-sponsored activities, employment, and administration and university services. The specific objective of the web page guidelines is to improve accessibility for all, including those with disabilities. http://oregonstate.edu/accessibility/web.php
2. Hardware, software and multimedia developed, purchased or acquired by Oregon State University. The specific objective of hardware, software and multimedia guidelines is to promote disability access. The focus is on acquisitions and or development occurring after the effective date of the policy.
   http://oregonstate.edu/accessibility/web.php
3. Environments specific to information technology including classroom and general use computer facilities, on-line instruction, distance learning, employment sites, libraries and resource centers. The specific objective is that work environments accommodate all users.
   http://oregonstate.edu/accessibility/software.php
   http://oregonstate.edu/accessibility/multimedia.php
4. Our University aspiration should be community-wide adherence to these guidelines. Exemptions are applicable in Special Situations. (See section below on Special Situations).