UVA is committed to providing technology that is accessible and usable by all people, including people with disabilities. Where it is not possible to provide fully accessible technology, an Equally Effective Alternate Access Plan (EEAAP) must be developed to describe how those affected by the inaccessible product can continue to participate in professional, academic, or other activities at the same time as their non-disabled peers.

An Equally Effective Alternate Access Plan (EEAAP) is an agreement to provide equivalent access, and creating a blueprint for doing so. The EEAAP describes how a department or business unit will address accessibility barriers resulting from the use of less-than-accessible technology systems while the technology is being updated or addressed.

The EEAAP should include the following:

• Who is impacted?
• What will be done to provide access?
• Who is accountable for creating and implementing?
• Method for communicating the EEAAP to the impacted parties

An EEAAP is not a substitute for accessibility, nor is it meant to be a permanent measure. Whenever possible, technology providers should seek out and procure accessible technologies to conduct University business, and work with technology vendors to ensure that they are updating and addressing known accessibility barriers.

We have a worksheet that Departments and Units may use in their preliminary discussions, but all official submissions should be submitted online through the Temporary Exception to IRM-008 Form.

List the persons or groups who may or will be affected by this issue. Groups may be specific (e.g., IT employees, Engineering students, etc.) or general (e.g., general public, visitors, students only, UVA employees, etc.).

Example Responses:

• Students will be using this software in [CLASS] to watch videos that relate to our course and post their discussion responses.

• Employees in [DEPARTMENT] will use this software to engage with alumni.

• The public will use this software to purchase tickets to a University-sponsored performance.

List the names, titles and department(s) of the University employees who will be responsible for providing equally effective alternate access for the specified known accessibility issue. This may be one person or differ based on the issue. A contact method, details, and expected response time for a user to report an accessibility issue must be included.

Example Responses:

• The Graduate TA will work individually with any student who is unable to work with the video platform. The assignment will be slightly revamped so that they go over the key learning points, and this interactive conversation will be in lieu of the discussion post. 
• Employees will be informed of Workplace Accommodation Procedures upon hire, so formal accommodations may be discussed as early as possible. During employee orientation, employees will be informed that if they have any difficulties with using the software, they may use alternative workflows, such as using spreadsheets and email platforms, to engage in this work.
• J. Smith, the Administrative Coordinator of our department, will be available to assist anyone who may have difficulties with using the ticketing software. Their name and contact information will be posted on our website. All tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours ahead of the performance. 

Describe in detail how the responsible departments or persons will provide equally effective alternate access for impacted people with disabilities.

Example Responses:

• The TA will slightly change the assignment. They will individually go over the key learning points, and this interactive conversation will be in lieu of the discussion post. 

• Supervisors will work directly with employees to change their workflow to allow them to do their jobs. This will likely include using spreadsheets and email in leiu of the software.

• Staff will be available via phone and email to assist anyone who wishes to purchase tickets directly. 

Communication should be proactive. Examples may include announcing it on your website or in communications that go out to the impacted parties.

Example Responses:

• I will include the following statement on my syllabus and mention it during class: 
  • UVA is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me. This course uses a variety of digital tools and content. If you have trouble reading, viewing, or interacting with any materials, please let me know right away so we can work through this together. If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, you should meet with the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC), to request an official accommodation. You can find more information about SDAC, including how to apply online, through their website at https://disabilityservices.studenthealth.virginia.edu/. If you have already been approved for accommodations through SDAC, please make sure to send me your accommodation letter and meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together. 
• All employees will be informed of Workplace Accommodation Procedures upon hire, so we can know from the start if an alternative action plan must be implemented. This information will be reiterated during employee orientation.
• Our website will have the name and full contact details prominently listed for anyone needing assistance.