Integrating Digital Accessibility Policy at Higher Education Institutions

June 2020 – The University of Pittsburgh’s Laurie Cochenour, executive director of online learning at their School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS), led the launch of the completely online master’s degree in Health Informatics for the Spring 2020 semester. COVID-19 beamed a light on the need for digitally accessible content and resources for people with disabilities to ensure compliance with the ADA and the academic obligation to foster different learning styles. At the University of Pittsburgh, the Electronic Information and Technology (EIT) Accessibility Policy is the latest governing document for accessibility standards that university staff members must comply with. Since its drafting and publishing recently, the University is in the implementation phase, though COVID-19 has altered the rollout timeline. Cynthia Golden, associate vice provost and director of the Teaching Center, said that “the University’s obligations—and the accessibility policy—are greater than just compliance. We have a moral and ethical obligation to do the best we can for our community” [Source: Will Entrekin via Pittwire].