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EASI: Equal Access to Software & Information
Quick Adaptive Technology Diagnostic Test

Many people think providing access at colleges and universities for students with disabilities means only removing physical access barriers to buildings. But, the Office for Civil Rights now specifies that appropriate access also includes removing barriers to information access. A barrier-free campus means providing ready access both to buildings and to the information that is central to teaching and learning.

NOTE: “Adaptive technology” refers to the specialized hardware and software used to adapt computer and information technologies to meet the special needs of users with disabilities. It permits individuals with disabilities to use computer and information systems independently. “ADA” refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). Every college and university campus is legally mandated to have an officer designed to monitor its compliance with the ADA.

1. Does your campus have a mechanism to provide adaptive technology for students, faculty and staff with disabilities?
yes
no
don't know

2. Does your campus ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance officer have a plan to guarantee that your school provides adaptive technology for this population?
Yes
No
Don't know

3. Does your campus academic computing center have a designated technician to provide knowledge about and support for adaptive technology?
Yes
No
Don't know

4. Does your Disabled Student Services Office provide information and support on adaptive technology to its clients?
yes
no
don't know

5. Does your campus library have an active program to provide access to its information technology systems for students, faculty and staff with disabilities?
yes
no
don't know

6. Does your campus webmaster (or some other designated person) check official campus web pages for their accessibility to users with disabilities?
yes
no
don't know

7. Does your campus information technology staff consider the adaptive technology needs of students when giving support and training to faculty?
yes
no
don't know

8. Do faculty using educational technology or distance learning technology in their courses take the adaptive technology needs of students into consideration when designing their materials?
yes
no
don't know

9. When people or departments make equipment purchases, does your campus require them to consider whether that equipment is compatible with adaptive technology hardware and software?
yes
no
don't know

10. When people or departments make software purchases, does your campus require them to consider whether that software is compatible with adaptive hardware and software?
yes
no
don't know

For every 'yes' that you marked above, give yourself 10 points; for every 'no' give yourself 0, and for every 'don't know' give yourself 5 points.

If your total is 80 or above, excellent. Please contact EASI so we can share your good example with others.

If your total is 60-79, you have made a good start, and EASI would like to assist you in becoming even more proactive and moving forward.

If your grade is below 60, EASI recommend that you consider having an EASI diagnostic visit to your campus. If you marked several “don't knows,” you need to research services on your campus to determine your campus’ ability to serve the needs of students, faculty and staff with disabilities and to comply with the mandates of disability legislation.

EASI's online courses can equip your faculty and staff with the know-how to become a barrier-free campus, or EASI's campus consulting service can provide consultants to visit your campus and make recommendations.