Meeting Minutes: November 5, 2015

Present

  • Stephen Blosser, Chair
  • Graham Pierce, Vice Chair; Webmaster
  • Al Puzzuoli
  • Danielle Fowler
  • Dave Goodrich
  • Divya Venkatesan
  • Emilia Marcyk
  • Jessica Schein
  • Joann Silsby
  • Kevin Henley
  • Lydia Tang
  • Nate Evans
  • Nicole Stevens Edge
  • Paul Heberlein
  • Phil Deaton
  • Ranti Junus
  • Sarah Swierenga
  • Tyler Smeltekop

Minutes

  1. Blosser called meeting to order at 1:00 PM
  2. Discussion of new classroom control systems
    • Wireless touchscreens are the only way to control projector, volume, etc.
    • No way for individuals who have significant visual impairments to use (no screen reader, no alternate mobile app access, etc.).
    • Plan to contact Steve Jowett to discuss issue.
    • Might have presentation from 4 Winds soon.
  3. Nate Evans: "Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan"
    • Engaged in discussion on California State University and University of Montana's procurement processes.
    • No formal EEAP in place at present time.
    • Current draft steps:
      1. Ask vendors to sign EIT General Terms and Conditions Addendum, and ask them questions from the University of Illinois procurement process.
      2. Ask vendor to provide VPAT to evaluate which features are 508 compliant (currently working on VPAT template to focus on WCAG 2.0 AA).
      3. If vendor refuses to sign, an accessibility evaluation may be initiated.
      4. When there are individual vendors, try to get purchasing agents present as well.
    • Future goal to formalize above outlined process
    • Future plans to include flexible language in process such as "or other applicable guidelines."
    • Trying to create a broader scope and bring more awareness to process.
    • Bring products that need to be improved to the ATC, whether they are in your respective department or not (send Stephen Blosser an agenda item request).
    • Pierce suggests that the ATC could fill a role to discuss product/process without going through central IT/Procurement.
  4. Discussion of plans for future meetings
    • Stephen Blosser plans to invite students with disabilities to talk from CSD.
    • November 13, 2015 - Making Learning Accessible Conference at the Union with talks on accessibility.
    • Discussion on creating a website to give information about pre-approved vendors and accessibility. Possibly be a wiki page, may include list of VPATS and contact information.
    • Signage is an agenda item for future meetings.
  5. The meeting was adjourned (Pierce, Junus) at 2:30 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Divya Venkatesan