Making electronic communication accessible for all
The Internet and other forms of electronic communication are a major, if not primary, sources of information for many people today. The number of people using the Internet continues to increase, and the amount and importance of information that UW-Extension provides through electronic means is increasing as well, making it vital that this information be available to all in an equal and timely manner.
UW-Extension is committed to the guiding principles of Universal Design, which advocates that materials, processes, products and the environment be proactively designed in the most inclusive manner possible. All citizens and employees, including those with disabilities, have a right to access UW-Extension's resources and, whenever feasible, this information should be available without the need for adjustment or accommodation.
All staff have the responsibility to ensure access to electronic information. This responsibility includes people from all positions and functions within the institution, such as a professor offering a PowerPoint presentation at a conference, a master gardener trainer conducting a session using WisLine conferencing, or a program assistant distributing an e-mail meeting announcement. The mission of UW-Extension and the Wisconsin Idea provide a philosophical motivation for everyone to embrace Universal Design and to proactively learn and implement accessible information technology techniques.
