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A Longstanding Commitment to Accessibility

The Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) has a rich history of advocating for accessibility across its member institutions, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff can engage with all resources equally. The Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC), now known as the BTAA, began focusing on accessibility in the 1990s in response to growing awareness of disability rights. Initially, efforts centered on improving campus accessibility and developing resources for students and faculty. With the rise of digital technology in the early 2000s, the CIC expanded its focus to digital accessibility, sharing tools and knowledge to meet diverse user needs. This commitment deepened in 2016 when the consortium rebranded as the BTAA and launched initiatives aimed at creating inclusive environments across all member institutions.

Collaborative Efforts Across Functional Areas

In 2018, the BTAA underscored its commitment to accessibility by ensuring that digital and technology resources are fully accessible to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This initiative involves collaboration across multiple functional areas, including Chief Information Officers, Librarians, and Procurement Directors. Together, these groups share best practices, develop vendor guidelines, and work to shift the institutional culture toward greater accessibility.

Information Technology Accessibility Group (ITAG) and Procurement Collaboration

A key component of these efforts is the collaboration between the BTAA鈥檚 Purchasing Consortium and the Information Technology Accessibility Group (ITAG). This partnership resulted in the creation of solicitation requirements for Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility. These guidelines help mitigate risks associated with non-compliance with accessibility standards and ensure successful technology use for all students and staff. ITAG has also developed tools like the Functional Accessibility Evaluator (FAE) and the Vendor Guide to Accessibility Cookbook, which provide clear guidance on accessibility requirements to vendors.

Library E-Resource Accessibility Initiatives

Established in 2015, the BTAA Library E-Resource Accessibility Group focuses on improving the accessibility of library electronic resources. This group works closely with vendors to enhance usability for all users and conducts third-party accessibility evaluations of online platforms. Additionally, the BTAA has adopted model accessibility license language, advocating for the inclusion of accessibility standards in vendor contracts