An EEAAP is a requirement of the Division of IT Compliance exception process. Suppose no vendors offer a fully accessible ICT product that meets the purchaser’s business case needs, or the vendor is actively developing an accessible product. In that case, exceptions may be granted by the Division of IT Compliance team. When an exception is granted, the purchasing department or business unit must complete an EEAAP as an agreement to provide the same information or services offered by the inaccessible technology to people with disabilities.
Note: Departments or business units should also implement an EEAAP to respond to an accessibility issue when you become aware that your technology presents an accessibility issue for users or a participant with a disability who is likely or required to use the technology. Create an EEAAP if:
- You identify a potential accessibility barrier in your current technology
- Your technology is required for classroom, employment, or other participation
- Your technology is in wide use
- You will employ the technology for multiple semesters or years
- You are unable to obtain accessible technology that meets your needs
What is an EEAAP?
An EEAAP is a plan that describes:
- How those affected by the inaccessible product can participate in professional, academic, or other activities.
- How the remediation of the accessibility barriers and issues will be addressed.
- How the department or business unit will provide equivalent access.
It describes what will be done, who is affected and responsible, what is needed, a timeline for action, and other considerations.
Note: An EEAAP is NOT a substitute for accessibility. Whenever possible, technology providers should seek out and procure accessible technologies to conduct university business.
How Do You Develop an EEAAP?
Vendor or Developer Engagement
Once you know about the potential accessibility deficits in a tool or technology, work with the vendor or developer to create a plan to fix the accessibility issues. Document arrangements with the vendor or developer to correct accessibility issues in the EEAAP.
What’s in an EEAAP?
The information in an EEAAP can be different depending on the circumstances, but should include the following:
- Who is responsible for implementing the plan?
- What activities are supported by the technology?
- What are the accessibility issues with the technology?
- How participants engage in those activities if the technology is not accessible?
- How will alternative access be provided to those participants?
- What steps and timeline are necessary for the vendor or developer to correct the issue?
You should develop your Equally Effective Alternate Access Plan (EEAAP) in a way that best meets the needs of your program. Keep a copy of the plan available, and review it from time to time with the person or people responsible for executing the plan. An EEAAP should include the following information:
- Person or role responsible for coordinating alternate access
- Identifying information about the inaccessible technology (e.g., vendor, title, version)
- Intended purpose, use, and audience of the technology
- How alternate access will be provided if the technology cannot be used as intended
- Provision for engaging with vendor or developer when an accessibility issue is discovered
- Remediation or repair information
- Resources required to provide alternate access
- Timeline to address unforeseen events (e.g., “24 hours after discovery”)