Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will this take?
   

   Once you have the basic accessibility training, the time it takes to make all your current documents accessible is directly proportional to the number of documents you distribute to students. That is, the more documents you have, the longer it takes.

   Fortunately, the steps you need to take are easy to understand and easy to do… and you can break the work up in any way that works best for you. This can be done a little at a time… you do not need to reserve an intense block of time in your life to power through it.

   Simply keep track of the documents you need to check and work through them a document at a time. This can be done during a semester as you are teaching your classes.

2. When is it due?
   

   While we have not been given a hard due date by the Chancellor’s office, it would be wise to address this as best you can during the 2019-2020 Academic Year.

   There are two main risks in waiting longer. One, we are due for an accreditation review in a couple of years and the ACCJC (accreditation agency) will be checking that we are following the accessibility legal requirements. And Two, speaking of legal requirements, we can get sued by a student for violating the Federal laws that require a public institution of higher education to follow all applicable accessibility laws.

3. Can students complain?
   

   Yes, they can. And if they do, you are legally required to take the steps, in the near-term, to address whatever accessibility deficiencies are identified in your electronic documents. You will have the support of the ATRC (and possibly the DRC, if necessary) to address any situation like this. Please let the ATRC know if a student has an accessibility complaint.

   It is much better to take the time to make your electronic documents accessible before a complaint is received and you need remediate them in a hurry.

4. How will you know when I’m done?
   

   We won’t… at least not at this point in the process.

   Currently there is no agreement between the administration, the PFF, the Faculty Senate, etc. that let’s anyone review your course electronic documents for compliance with accessibility laws without your permission… the exceptions being when your receive a TERB evaluation and when the accreditation agency does their review.

   Your department chair, dean, etc. may become aware of a deficiency if a disabled student complains that your electronic documents are not accessible.

   As you do the work to ensure that your electronic documents are following the requirements that make them accessible, please contact the ATRC or the Distance Education Coordinator for help if you need it.

5. What happens if I don’t do this?
   

   As I indicated above, the main risks are receiving a student complaint (and needing to makes thing right in a hurry), getting written up in an accreditation review, and being named in a lawsuit. The district will defend itself (and you) in any accessibility related lawsuit should one be brought.

6. How to I get help with the ATRC?
   

   The Academic Technology Resource Center has a “Ticket” system they like to use
   to keep track of everyone’s support requests and the follow-ups.

   To use it go to…

   ATRC Home

   1. Click on the “REQUEST HELP” button on the left-side of page

   2. (You may see a window with a “Login” Button, if you do just click the button and it will take you to the Single Sign On page for you to log in and, then, it will automatically take you to the next page in the process)

   3. On this page you begin the “Ticket” process. Check that your personal information is correct on the window, then click “Submit Ticket” button.

   4. On the next window, select either the “Canvas”, “Web sites, or “Online Videos”, depending on the question you have, and click the “Next” button

   5. On the next window, make the appropriate choices and describe what you need help with and click the “Submit” button. If you are requesting a meeting, be sure to make some suggestion about the days/times when you would be available to meet.

   That’s it. The people at ATRC will review the request and you will be contacted by the best person to help you.

   If you have any problems, contact me at sperry@palomar.edu and I will see what I can do to help you.

7. How do I use accessibility checkers?
   

   See the online video training provided on the “Workshops” Menu Item on the left-side of this page. If you have any questions please contact the ATRC.