Accessible Communications

As a university committed to diversity and inclusion, we want our websites, publications, PowerPoints, and other communications to be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities and non-native English speakers.

Resources

• WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool – free and recommended tool that identifies potential issues with web content accessibility
• W3C Web Accessibility – examples, tutorials, and more to improve accessibility of web content
• “Making Your Website Accessible” – UC Berkeley’s tips to enhance accessibility
• “Fixing Inaccessible PDFs Using Adobe Acrobat Pro” – the University of Washington’s information about publishing PDF files
• Microsoft Office’s Accessibility Checker – search for accessibility issues in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications
• Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible – information on best practices for the popular presentation software
• Best Practices and Guidelines for Large Print Documents – the American Council of the Blind’s information about fonts, spacing, formatting, and more

It’s the Law

Ball State has two policies that include people with disabilities:

• Equal Opportunity Policy
• Anti-Harassment Policy

Just as important, the following acts provide standards for federal agencies and organizations that receive federal funds:

• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Additionally, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination under "any program of activity receiving federal financial assistance."

Disability Services

For more resources, including university policies and events or assistance with accommodations, visit our Disability Services website.

International Audiences

For help with accommodations for international and multilingual audiences, visit our Rinker Center for Global Affairs website.

Information Technology

Digital Accessibility Services

Explore our list of accessible technology services and contacts for assistance with any related issues. Perfect for students and employees seeking tools or services related to accessing technology.

General Information Technology Policies

• IT Purchase Policy
  
• Process Flow for IT Procurement

University policies on acquiring and using technology for university computers, including accessibility requirements should be followed by all employees. This applies regardless of how the software, hardware, or service is obtained, such as through purchase orders, credit cards, requests for proposals, or free downloads from the Internet.

Online Knowledge Base

The University of Washington offers hundreds of case studies and articles about accessibility to technology, education, and careers through its Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology (DO-IT) Knowledge Base.