[nfbmi-talk] nfb and penn state resolve ocr complaint

[joe harcz Comcast]

National Federation of the Blind and Penn State Resolve Accessibility Complaint – 

Oct. 11, 2011, 9:30 a.m. EDT

 

National Federation of the Blind and Penn State Resolve Accessibility Complaint

 

BALTIMORE, Oct 11, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) announced today

that they have reached an agreement that will resolve a complaint filed against Penn State by the NFB with the United States Department of Education, Office

for Civil Rights. There was no admission of any wrongdoing.

 

Penn State has agreed to continue implementing a strategy to make all electronic and information technology systems used on its campuses fully accessible

to blind students, faculty, and staff. The information technology systems covered include course management systems, Web sites, classroom technology, library

resources, banking services, and more. University Spokesman Lisa Powers said that Penn State strives to maintain strong academic leadership and has a long

record of providing equal access to educational information and services for all students, faculty, and staff.

 

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Universities must commit to making sure all of the technology that they use is

accessible to blind students, or else the blind will be left behind in education and denied opportunity. We are pleased that Penn State, one of the largest

and most recognized public universities in the country, has agreed to take additional steps to create an environment of equality in which blind students

can pursue their educational and career aspirations without unnecessary barriers. The National Federation of the Blind hopes and believes that the steps

that Penn State is taking will set an example for colleges and universities throughout the nation."

 

"For more than twenty years Penn State has provided assistive technologies to students, faculty, and staff," Powers said. "We will work with the National

Federation of the Blind and the Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, to put in place the additional technologies, procedures, and ongoing policies

that will help us continue meeting our strong commitment to access."

 

The university has had a number of policies and programs in place to help individuals with disabilities, such as a classroom note-taking service, textbooks

and course materials in electronic format, technology assistance, and adjustments in testing procedures, to name just a few. The university has a longstanding

policy of providing reasonable accommodations to anyone requesting assistance.

 

"We can always do more," Powers said. "In addition to any continued adjustments to our policies, we also are working with our outside vendors to see if

their products and procedures can be adjusted to meet the needs of our students."

 

Russlynn Ali, assistant secretary for civil rights, with the U.S. Department of Education, said: "Colleges and universities have specific legal obligations

to provide students, faculty, and staff with disabilities the same benefits, programs, and services. This office is committed to working with complainants

and institutions to ensure that the important nondiscrimination provisions of this nation's laws are enforced and implemented."

 

About the National Federation of the Blind

 

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United

States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.

It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the

Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.

 

SOURCE: National Federation of the Blind

 

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