Forum Post
I’m concerned that the WSU faculty perspective is not represented on the Digital Accessibility Subcommittee (https://crmo.wsu.edu/digital-accessibility-subcommittee/). The compliance framing in all messaging from this committee is counterproductive, and I’ve encountered multiple instances where WSU employees responsible for “ensuring conformity” with specific rules do not seem to be familiar with the history, intentions and technologies involved with WCAG Guidelines. I’m an advocate for digital accessibility in my own area of expertise (data visualization) in part because it requires creativity and the sense of curiosity about the world beyond ourselves that is a hallmark of academic activity. Reducing this to a set of “rules” that must be “enforced” is against the spirit of accessible design practices, and is already resulting in unintended consequences of limiting creativity in teaching and learning, likely without any benefit for people with disabilities. I would request that Faculty Senate become more involved with this committee and perhaps developing accessibility training for faculty that is centered around inclusion and understanding, rather than rigid compliance.
Response
Individuals who would like to participate on the Digital Accessibility Committee or consult on digital accessibility requirements should contact the WSU ADA Coordinator at ada.coordinator@wsu.edu. The Faculty Senate would like to be copied on this inquiry and any responses.
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