To provide accessible digital instructional resources to students in compliance with federal and state law. Nothing in this policy should be read to discourage the academic freedom of faculty to select their own instructional resources so long as they meet standards of accessibility required by state and federal law.
Consistent with the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, RCW 28B.10.910-918, and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges policy on Accessible Technology (30.20.30B), SPSCC will make all reasonable efforts to provide accessible digital instructional materials to all students consistent with the above laws and policies. All commercial instructional materials, platforms, and resources required by instructors must be vetted and approved by the IT Services Department prior to purchase to assure the technology meets college security standards and is in compliance with Accessible Technology laws and policies.
DEFINITION: Digital Instructional Resources refer to online textbooks, learning management systems, and other platforms or proprietary technologies faculty assign as primary required materials in courses. Individual documents (such as a Word document, PDF, or Canvas page) within an already approved platform are not necessary for institutional review, though they should also maintain compliance with accessibility law.