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EIR Accessibility Policy
Purpose
The purpose of the Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) Accessibility Policy is to establish proper limits regarding
- the design and testing of web pages and web applications and
- the procurement of electronic and information resources
to comply with the accessibility rules assigned by the State of Texas in accordance with the Texas Administrative Code, Title 1, Chapters 206 and 213.
This document sets forth the policy of the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) with regard to the accessibility of all new or changed web pages, web content, and web applications as well as all electronic and information resources developed, procured, or changed by DIR employees, contractors, vendors, and volunteers.
DIR is committed to making DIR websites accessible to all users, regardless of physical status, cognitive ability, or technology. Web accessibility encompasses all disabilities that affect access to the web, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities.
Scope
This policy applies to DIR employees, contractors, vendors, and volunteers. These entities
- agree to abide by this policy effective from the date of hire until separation from DIR, and
- are responsible for understanding the terms and conditions of this policy.
This policy is subject to change.
Policy
Web Design Standards and Guidelines
Developers shall
- follow accessibility standards for developing and testing websites, information, and applications; [TAC 206 and 213 and Rehabilitation Act Section 508]
- design web pages and applications to allow the resizing by web browsers;
- design web pages and web applications that are readable without the associated style sheet;
- test web pages manually and using automated tools; and
- publish accessible Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) documents or HTML equivalents.
Request for Accommodation
Reasonable efforts shall be made to accommodate users of standards-compliant web browsers and assistive technology, including enabling software or assistive devices, to view DIR web pages. When a user is unable to access information on a DIR web page, he or she may contact the agency to request that DIR provide an alternate format or method to access the information. DIR shall provide instructions on its websites for requesting an accommodation.
Exception from Compliance
Only the DIR Executive Director or designee may grant an exception from complying with an accessibility rule, in accordance with the DIR Compliance Exception Procedure. [TAC 213.17]
Agency staff shall submit an exception request to the executive director for each development or procurement, including outsourced development, which does not comply with appropriate standards and specifications. [TGC 2054.460, TAC 206 and 213]
Any approved exception shall include a plan for alternate methods of access for persons with disabilities.
EIR Accessibility Compliance Plan
The DIR EIR Accessibility Compliance Plan (Plan) is an internal document that outlines the procedures the agency shall follow to ensure that its websites and web applications are accessible [TAC 206] as well as all electronic and information resources developed, procured, or changed by DIR employees, contractors, vendors, and volunteers. The Plan also outlines the exception provisions in TAC 213.17. The procedures include the standards and guideline used during the development lifecycle of projects.
Disciplinary Action
Staff failure to adhere to this policy may be brought to the attention of their manager.
Document Change Management
All changes to this document shall follow DIR technology policy development practices.
The Information Resources Manager will be responsible for communicating the approved changes to the organization.
This document shall be reviewed per the agency’s retention schedule or upon a change or addition to an applicable federal or state law.
Definitions and Acronyms
508 compliance: Using testing/validation tools and procedures to check web pages and web content for conformance as defined by the Section 508 requirements of the Rehabilitation Act relating to web accessibility contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 1194.
Accessibility: Strategies, guidelines, and resources to help make the web accessible to people with disabilities. Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the web, and that they can contribute to the web.
Accessible: A web page or product that can be used in a variety of ways and that does not depend on a single sense or ability.
Alternate format: Alternate format usable by people with disabilities may include, but are not limited to, Braille, ASCII text, large print, recorded audio, and electronic formats that comply with this policy.
Alternate method: Different means of providing information, including product documentation, to people with disabilities. Alternate methods may include, but are not limited to, voice, fax, relay service, TTY, Internet posting, captioning, text-to-speech synthesis, and audio description.
Assistive technology: Any item, piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Electronic and information resources: Includes information technology and any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the creation, conversion, duplication, or delivery of data or information. The term electronic and information resources includes, but is not limited to, telecommunications products (such as telephones), information kiosks and transaction machines, World Wide Web sites, multimedia, and office equipment such as copiers and fax machines. The term does not include any equipment that contains embedded information technology that is used as an integral part of the product, but the principal function of which is not the acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information. For example, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment such as thermostats or temperature control devices and medical equipment where information technology is integral to its operation are not information technology.
EIR Accessibility Policy: The policy of a state agency or institution of higher education to ensure that access to its electronic information, services, and programs are accessible, usable, understandable, and navigable.
EIR Accessibility Standards: Texas accessibility standards for electronic and information resources that comply with the applicable specifications contained in TAC 216 and/or 213.
Exception: A justified, documented non-conformance with one or more standards or specifications of TAC 206 and/or 213, which has been approved by the executive director of an agency or the president or chancellor of an institution of higher education and which is applicable to that agency or institution.
Internet: The network of interconnected networks employing standards published by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
PDF: When posting Portable Document Format files, refer to Adobe's website for further information on tools enabling access to PDF files for the visually impaired.
State website: A website owned, operated, and funded by a state governmental body that is available to the general public through the Internet.
User: Any individual who accesses a DIR website, including DIR employees, vendors, contractors, and volunteers who are authorized to develop, procure, or change web pages, web content, and EIR products. [TAC 206 and 213]
W3C: World Wide Web Consortium is an international consortium where member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop web standards.
For Additional Information
Additional information regarding accessibility is provided in the following websites:
If you have questions or comments about DIR's accessibility policy, please send e-mail to DIR Info or call 512 475-4700.
Additional information about accessibility programs in Texas is available from the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities.
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