Message From The President
Colleagues,
SFA is committed to providing universal access to our electronic resources. To achieve this goal, Electronic and Information Resources Accessibility (EIRA) is an increasingly important mission critical task for all of us.
The Texas Department of Information Resources defines EIRA as providing electronic information and services in multiple ways so that communication is not contingent on a single sense or ability. An example would be a video presentation that also includes closed captioning, which enables accessibility for hearing-impaired individuals. Since EIRA is such an essential part of providing services to the student, faculty, staff and guest users of our electronic resources, policies will be implemented over the coming months which will address the building of websites, accessibility training, and the purchase of technology hardware. More updates will be forthcoming as we navigate this process. Information is available and continually updated on: http://www.sfasu.edu/electronic-accessibility/
To enhance our EIRA, and to comply with federal and state law, the way electronic resources are purchased will be changing. To ensure that software provides an acceptable level of accessibility, all purchases of electronic resources, including, but not limited to software, web-hosted software, and apps for tablets and phones will follow the normal purchase order process. Therefore, effective June 3, 2019, P-Cards can no longer be used to purchase software.
While we are working to implement policies and procedures that will make the purchase of electronic resources quicker and more efficient, please keep in mind that additional processing time will be required, as additional documentation describing the accessibility features of the product must be obtained from the vendor.
If you have any questions about these new procedures, purchasing electronic resources, or electronic accessibility more generally, please contact our Electronic Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@sfasu.edu.
Thank you for the role you play in making SFA a place for everyone.
Office of the President
Stephen F. Austin State University
T 936.468.2201 | F 936.468.2202
The Importance of Technology
SFA's Vision Statement (5) states, "Technology will be appropriately and sensibly infused throughout the campus in our classrooms and operations. It will facilitate - not drive - how we teach and work together."
Technology has become not only a dependence, but it is now a necessity in almost all aspects of life. With the emphasis on technology, especially in all levels of education, it is vital that all individuals including those with disabilities are able to access and utilize technology. Electronic Accessibility refers to the ease of use of any technologies by people with disabilities. Examples of Electronic Accessibility include but are not limited to screen readers, closed captioning, e-books, smart phones, smart cars and interactive virtual reality. As technologies continue to progress, it is important that Electronic Accessibility progresses alongside.
Electronic Accessibility and SFA
Per our mission, "Stephen F. Austin State University is a comprehensive institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative work, and service. Through the personal attention of our faculty and staff, we engage our students in a learner-centered environment and offer opportunities to prepare for the challenges of living in the global community."
With the Electronic Accessibility initiative, we are evaluating the accessibility of each product and verifying that our faculty, staff, alumni and students have equal access and opportunities to utilize all technology. This includes an education and training aspect to increase the knowledge and understanding of Electronic Accessibility within the SFASU community.
Electronic Accessibility affects the SFASU community as a whole, and follows The SFA Way Root Principles:
- The Principle of Respect
- The Principle of Caring
- The Principle of Responsibility
- The Principle of Unity
- The Principle of Integrity
Questions or suggestions regarding Electronic Accessibility?
Contact the SFA Electronic Accessibility Coordinator: accessibility@sfasu.edu