What is an EEAAP?
An Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan describes how the institution will provide "equally effective alternative access" to information or services provided by a technology that is less accessible or not accessible to students with disabilities. Equally effective alternative access is based on (1) timeliness of delivery, (2) accuracy of translation, and (3) delivery method or medium appropriate to the disability of the person. The purpose for these alternates is to afford students with disabilities equal opportunity to obtain the same result as those who are not disabled, gain the same benefit or reach the same level of achievement.
Process
When purchasing software or educational resources, some materials may not be fully accessible to all users. If a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) has been completed by a software manufacturer, there may be certain language included in the VPAT that indicates inaccessible elements of the product. "Supports with Exceptions" and "Does not Support" terminology in the VPAT reflect inaccessible elements. If no VPAT is available or if the VPAT shows signs of inaccessibility, then the purchaser should request a product review by an ECU IT Accessibility Consultant: Software Accessibility Review.
Components for Writing an EEAAP
- Description of the Problem. Describe specifically the part of the system, software, or educational resource that is a known accessibility issue and is not accessible per Section 508 WCAG 2.0 AA standards.
- Persons or groups affected. Describe the person or groups who may be impacted by the problems of accessibility. Groups may be specific (e.g., ITCS employees, Engineering students, etc. or general (e.g., general public, visitors, students only, ECU employees, etc.).
- Responsible person(s). List the name(s) and title(s) of the campus employee(s) who will be responsible for providing equally effective alternate access for the accessibility issue as described in item 4.
- How will alternative access be provided? Describe how the responsible department or person(s) equally effective alternate access will be communicated and what will be provided. For example, "To access room availabilities, visitors can go to a different web page that contains the same information."
- EEAA Resources Required. List any resources required (including training, equipment, additional staff, etc.) to provide equally effective alternate access for the known issue.
- Repair Information. Provide a brief description or any relevant information regarding repair of the issue by the vendor or Third Party Service Provider, as well as the completion date.
- Note. Provide any additional information which may help provide guidance in providing alternative access planning.