Accessibility Policy (DRAFT)

Purpose:

This policy describes the rules, rights, obligations, and expectations involved in ensuring the accessibility of Winona State University’s physical and digital environments. It establishes the university’s campus-wide commitment to accessibility and applies to all university units, including academic, administrative, student life, housing, communications, information technology, and physical infrastructure.

Policy:

Winona State University is committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive environment for all students and employees so they may engage fully and meaningfully in their learning and work. Whenever possible, Winona State University will take proactive steps to ensure physical facilities, programs, services, and digital content are accessible and all users have appropriate access. Winona State University policies will be consistent with all legal obligations.

To implement this policy effectively, the University commits to the following principles:

• When feasible, the University will adopt universal design practices. Units shall include accessibility in planning, procurement, development, and revision of any physical, digital, or instructional assets.
• Accommodations and modifications shall not unnecessarily segregate individuals with disabilities; access should be provided in the most integrated setting appropriate.
• Accommodations shall be provided promptly, ideally in advance and with minimal delay.
• All campus-wide events shall be provided in multiple formats. For example, live presentations shall offer a virtual format and live captioning.
• The University shall provide regular and up-to-date training on accessibility, accommodations, and compliance responsibilities. The University shall designate an accessibility coordinator to facilitate compliance.

Exceptions

An exception for undue burden is only applicable to a material, service, product, activity, event, space, or purchase that cannot be made accessible without imposing significant difficulty or expense on Winona State, as outlined in MinnState Policy 1B.0.1, Part 6, subpart C.

In such cases, the University shall explore effective alternative accommodations. Any denial and rationale must be documented and communicated to the requester, who retains appeal rights, and to the ADA Coordinator.

Grievance

The University will maintain a formal, accessible grievance procedure for individuals to appeal accommodation decisions, access denials, or other accessibility-related complaints. The procedure shall be clearly published, timely, impartial, and provide for review by the ADA Coordinator.

Campus Resources

Access Services

Affirmative Action

Human Resources

Rehabilitation Act

1. Section 504: (a) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by any agency receiving federal financial assistance and (b) requires reasonable accommodations be provided to ensure access to programs and services.
2. Section 508: requires that agencies using federal funds make electronic and information technologies accessible.

Related documents:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• WCAG 2.1 AA Standards
• Rehabilitation Act
• Minnesota Human Rights Act
• Minnesota State Board Policy1B.4 Access and Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities
• Minnesota State System Procedure 1B.4.1

Related Policy & Procedure:

• 4-8 Student Accommodation Policy
• 4-8A Student Accommodation Procedure

History:

Adoption date:
Implementation date: