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Reporting & Complaint Process

Most websites provide the opportunity for site visitors to provide feedback or comments to the college. However, what is not always well defined is how to support feedback or complaints related to an accessibility issue on a website. A California State Audit of three California Community Colleges found a lack of documentation existed for addressing feedback and complaints related to website accessibility barriers. Creating and documenting a reporting process for website accessibility barriers is a necessary step towards embracing a cultural of access at an institution.

1. Create a Web Page

Colleges should provide a web page that outlines the institutional approach to accessibility as well as contact information or a response form for reporting an accessibility issue. This web page should include information on how to submit a complaint, offer multiple methods for reporting the issue, and who the designated entity may be at the college for addressing the issue. The most common strategy is to create a hyperlink in the footer of the website that directs users to the accessibility web page or website.

Examples

 

2. Document the Process

When an accessibility complaint or feedback is received, it is important to have a documented response process so that college staff understand their roles and responsibilities in resolving the accessibility issue and communicating with the reporting individual. While colleges may follow an informal process to resolve accessibility barriers, it is important to follow a documented process to ensure the reporting individual's needs are met and to identify if there may be recurring issues on the website (e.g., same or similar barrier keeps occuring).

The following documents are draft versions intended for colleges to edit and modify as appropriate for their institutional needs:

 

 

 

Accessibility Capability Maturity Model

Learn more about the ACMM and how it helps drive accessibility forward.

Training

Find online and in-person accessibility training opportunities for college staff and faculty.

Alternate Media Workflow

Learn more about alternate media best practices and the different types of alternate formats.

About the CCC Accessibility Center

The CCC Accessibility Center proactively assesses the California community college system's web and information technology accessibility needs and offers services, guidance and technical assistance to help colleges in realizing an accessible technology environment. Diversity and inclusion are core values embraced by the California Community Colleges. Accessible websites and information technology positively impacts individuals with disabilities, offering greater opportunity for engagement and participation in pursuit of lifelong learning throughout California's community colleges.

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