Accessibility Policy
Applicability
This policy applies to University Websites.
Accessibility Standards
For the purposes of this policy, GBS will use The Worldwide Web Consortiums Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1, Level AA Conformance -WCAG 2.1 Level AA- as the Standards.
The Path Forward
GBS Websites that are created or undergo substantial revisions or redesign after February 16, 2021, are expected to conform to the Standards with respect to their platforms and infrastructure. Where conformance with the Standards is not technically feasible or may require extraordinary measures due to the nature of the information or the purpose of this Website -e.g., it would create an undue hardship by fundamentally altering the site, a request for exception can be made.
Responsibility and Commitment
GBS Leadership is responsible for establishing mechanisms to ensure that GBS Websites within their areas conform to this Policy and have an identified Site Owner. GBS Websites should indicate commitment to accessibility by including a link to this Policy.
Upon a specific request by an individual who is unable to access specific content on GBS Website, either the requested content must be updated to conform to the Standards, or the requested content otherwise must be made available in an alternative format in a timely manner. The unit responsible for the creation and maintenance of the content on this website is responsible for making it accessible or providing the alternative.
Definitions
A Site Owner is an individual designated by Senior Leadership as responsible for one or more GBS Website(s).
A GBS Website is any public-facing website or webâ€based application within a GBS domain.
GBS Business includes activities carried out under the auspices of GBS company.
Governance, Roles and Responsibilities
Senior Leadership: The companies President, Executive Vice President, and Vice Presidents, and the Directors of GBS, hencefoth known as SENIOR LEADERSHIP each are responsible for: (1) promoting awareness of this Policy; (2) identifying GBS employees to serve as Site Owners of GBS Websites within their areas, and (3) ensuring that such Websites conform to this Policy.
Accessibility Steering Committee: The President shall convene the Accessibility Steering Committee. The ASC shall be responsible for: (1) providing periodic review of this Policy and its implementing procedures, with recommendations going to the President (2) establishing and recommending to Senior Leadership a prioritization schedule for bringing certain existing GBS Websites into conformance with the Standards or making them accessible in an alternative manner; (3) working with Senior Leadership to assure general awareness of this Policy; (4) assessing and reporting to the President about accessibility efforts as outlined in this Policy, and (5) reviewing and deciding on requests for Policy exceptions.
GBS Digital Accessibility Services: GBS Office of Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) shall be responsible for supporting Senior Leadership in creating and sustaining a culture of commitment at GBS. DAS shall provide training, guidance and information on accessibility standards and best practices and will work with their technical partners to advise or augment their efforts towards adopting the Standards. Guided by GBS priorities, DAS shall track and support remediation efforts throughout Harvard.
GBS Disability Resources: The GBS Disability Resources office serves as a website-wide resource on disability-related information, procedures and services for GBS offerings and otherwise.
Digital Accessibility Liaisons: Each member of Senior Leadership shall designate a staff member as a Digital Accessibility Liaison to coordinate local efforts and report on progress to the DAS.