7. Accessibility Requirements

Siena College supports recent efforts initiated by the United States government and other internationally recognized organizations to provide individuals with disabilities access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to those without disabilities. To comply with these guidelines, Siena College has established these requirements.

1. ALT tags must be used and are required for XHTML validation – ALT tags allow for readers who have turned off the image-capability of their browser, those using a text-only browser, and audio browsers as used by the visually impaired. With spacer images and presentational content with no corresponding function on text-readers, use empty ALT tags (alt=""). This is accomplished in Site Builder within the image properties “Alternative Text.” If you want presentational text to appear over the image or link, add a short description to the “Advisory Title,” under the Alternate-tab.
   
   Example: <IMG SRC="SienaCollegeLogo.gif" ALT="Siena College Logo" title="Go back to Siena's homepage."/>.
2. Provide a text alternative for any audio, video, or graphic presentations.
3. Row and column headers shall be identified for data tables.
4. When using a multiple row or column data tables, XHTML text (not images), must be used to identify cells and headers.
5. When applets, plug-ins or other applications are needed by the client system to present page content, the page must provide a link to a plug-in or applet that will enable the user to interpret the content of the page – The plug-in or applet should be tested on PC and Mac platforms.
6. When creating electronic forms to be completed online, use explicit label tags or place form elements immediately adjacent to their corresponding titles (not in separate cells of a table) – This will allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues. For additional information on explicit labels.
7. A method shall be provided that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links – Web pages often feature standardized headers throughout a site with a set of routine navigation links. Non-disabled individuals can easily skim over these links and proceed directly to the content of the page. Disabled viewers using screen readers cannot freely skip the repeated links and must wait for the reader to announce each link before moving to the page content. In order to alleviate this problem, headers provided by the College will feature a bypass link, not visible to typical users, which will enable users with assistive technologies to skip the repetitive navigational links. When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required – For more information: Section 508 Compliancy or Accessibility Guidelines.