• OKEMOS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
    Implementation and Remediation Plan
    (Web Accessibility)


    I. Web Site Platform
    The Okemos Public Schools will ensure adherence with our Web Accessibility Procedure by upgrading our Content Management Solution (web page platform) to Schoolwires (Blackboard product). Blackboard is committed to ensuring that the Web Community Manager platform is usable and accessible to users of all abilities.

    All products are designed and developed in accordance with the internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA as well as the Section 508 standards in the United States. Blackboard has a third party conduct regular audits of the user interface, code and design techniques to ensure that accessibility quality expectations are being met and maintained.  Software updates will be developed and released to address any gaps identified through the auditing process.
    Timeline: July 1, 2017

    II. Audits
    Under the direction of the Web Accessibility Coordinator, the Okemos Public Schools will conduct accessibility audits at regular intervals. An evaluation tool (WAVE) aligned with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA will be utilized twice per calendar year. All problems identified through the audit will be documented, evaluated and if necessary, corrective action will be initiated within 20 business days of discovery or removed. Schoolwires will support the district with implementing corrective actions to address identified problems.

    III. Third Party Content
    District online content made available on the District’s website provides equal opportunity to the educational benefits and opportunities afforded by the technology and equal treatment in the use of such technology.

    Under the direction of the Web Accessibility Coordinator, district administrators and staff will verify the accessibility of any online content hosted by Okemos Public Schools, but created by a third party prior to posting. Accessibility will be determined utilizing the WAVE accessibility validation tool, as well as manual checks. Where it is determined the third-party content does not meet the standards identified in this policy, the item will not be placed on the District’s website. The third party developers will be informed of the District’s policy regarding web accessibility.

    Further, the Web Accessibility Coordinator will utilize an evaluation tool (WAVE) as well as manual checks, to conduct accessibility audits of content provided by third parties twice per calendar year. If the third party content is identified as inaccessible after posting/linking occurs, the District will initiate corrective action within 10 business days of discovery. The third party will be directed to correct the content within 10 business days, ensuring it is accessible. If not corrected, the district will remove the third party’s inaccessible content from the district’s website.

    IV. TRAINING
    To ensure that web design, documents and multimedia content are accessible, all staff responsible for creating and/or distributing information with online content will be trained annually. The training will include but not limited to:

    ⦁ Web Accessibility Procedure
    ⦁ Implementation and Remediation Plan
    ⦁ Role and responsibilities to ensure that web design, documents and multi-media are accessible.

    The training will be facilitated by individuals with sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to understand and employ the technical standards. These individuals will include the Web Accessibility Coordinator and instructional technology coaches.

    Timeline for training:
    ⦁ Web Accessibility Coordinator and instructional technology coaches additional training no later than August 31, 2019
    ⦁ All responsible staff –additional training no later than September 30, 2019

    Revised 12/14/18