Carnegie Mellon University
University Policies  ›  Information Technology  ›  Digital Accessibility

Digital Accessibility Policy

Policy Title Digital Accessibility Policy
Policy Owner Computing Services, Vice President Information Technology
Responsible Office Computing Services, Digital Accessibility Office
Contact Information Questions on policy content should be directed to the Digital Accessibility Office at digital-access@lyhymh.net or 412-268-2638.
Date of Issuance This policy was approved by the president on January 17, 2025.
Entities Affected by this Policy All Carnegie Mellon University faculty and staff
Who Needs to Know About this Policy All Carnegie Mellon University faculty and staff
Definitions

Electronic and information technology (EIT) — Information resources such as web pages, websites and databases; electronic files and computer-based applications allowing for interaction between software and users; services employing information technology and telecommunications equipment.

Accessible — For purposes of this policy, EIT is considered to be accessible when a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use.

University Programs and Activities — Any program or activity that is offered or organized by a university administrative or academic department or where the university has substantial control over the program or activity.
Related Information
Reason for Policy/Purpose

The purpose of the Digital Accessibility Policy is to ensure that electronic and information technology (EIT) is accessible to individuals with disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act 1973, and applicable state and local laws. The policy will establish standards for the accessibility of EIT used to conduct the university's academic, research and business activities.
Abstract Carnegie Mellon is committed to making its electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with the university's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, statutes, orders and regulations.

Policy Statement

Carnegie Mellon University is committed to providing an electronic and information technology (EIT) environment that is accessible to individuals with disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act and applicable state and local law. This policy, as well as guidance for implementing this policy, establishes the standards for the accessibility of EIT used to conduct the university's academic, research, and business activities.

The Digital Accessibility Subcommittee, a part of the Universal Access Committee, in conjunction with the Digital Accessibility Office will publish ongoing implementation guidance, based on current best practices and applicable legal standards.

All academic and administrative units are responsible for ensuring that any EIT used in connection with the university's programs and activities is accessible to individuals with disabilities. In general, the department, program or unit that controls the user content of an EIT system is responsible for ensuring that such content is accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Digital Accessibility Office is available to provide training and support relative to this policy.

This policy does not apply to personal websites or applications created or published by students, employees, or third-parties that are hosted on university systems but do not relate to the university's programs and activities. This policy does not apply to third-party websites that are not used in connection with the university's programs and activities and are outside the ownership or control of the university, nor does it apply to links on university websites that direct users to third-party websites.

See the standards and guidelines for additional information.

Responsibility for Accessibility of Electronic information and Technologies

Those responsible for the creation of information that is shared through EIT will be responsible for making its content accessible with guidance from the Digital Accessibility Subcommittee and the Digital Accessibility Office.

Guidance, Training, and Support

The Digital Accessibility Office offers assistance with determining compliance, remediation recommendations and general guidance. The office can be reached at digital-access@lyhymh.net. The university recognizes that, given the wide variety and complexity of EIT within the university community, these guidelines cannot anticipate all scenarios. Questions or concerns regarding the applicability or scope of these guidelines to particular systems may be directed to the digital accessibility coordinator. Training is available from the Digital Accessibility Office. Please contact digital-access@lyhymh.net with training requests.

Accommodations Process

The university is committed to making reasonable efforts to address accessibility issues in a timely manner. In some cases, it may be necessary to request a reasonable accommodation to make a program, service or system accessible to a specific individual. Requests for reasonable accommodations may be submitted to the appropriate department listed below.

Accommodations for Students and Visitors:

Accommodations for Employees: