Provide Vendor Accessibility Statements
Standard 8 of the Quality Matters rubric focuses on accessibility and usability. Standard 8.7, the final standard in the QM rubric, calls for providing vendor accessibility statements for the technologies used in a course. QM assigns different points and values to standards, depending on their importance within the rubric. Standard 8.7 is a one-point, important standard. While the standard is not required for QM certification, it helps ensure the availability of vendor accessibility information.
Standard 8.7 – Vendor accessibility statements are provided for the technologies used in the course. By meeting this standard, instructors ensure that learners have easy access to information regarding the accessibility features and support of third-party tools used in Canvas. Providing these links helps create a transparent learning experience by allowing students to proactively understand the support features and potential limitations of these tools. For example, a vendor’s accessibility statement can provide information on keyboard navigation and whether functions can be performed without a mouse, if the tool allows voice to text, and which screen readers are optimal. Knowing this information up front allows students to address any concerns with the instructor and find alternatives before an assignment is due.
Tips to help you meet the standard:
- ODL has provided a statement that you can add to your course site, including your syllabus, Start Here page, or a course resource page. The following statement relates to both the vendor accessibility standard 8.7 and the data privacy standard 6.4.
- Data Privacy – Students should make every effort to keep their data safe. For more information on how you can protect your privacy and data, see the ITS Information Security & Privacy Office website. To view the accessibility and privacy policies of the software provided for use by FSU, go to the Technology Accessibility Statements and Privacy Policies Canvas support page.
- The Data Privacy content block in DesignPLUS provides the privacy and accessibility statement listed above. If a tool you are using is not listed, you can add a link to the privacy and accessibility policies for that tool.
- You can insert the Data Privacy content block from the DesignPLUS sidebar into the course syllabus, which is accessed under Course Information.
- The Data Privacy content block is also available in the DesignPLUS QuickStart Wizard if you want to create a new page.
General Standard 8.0 – Accessibility and Usability
The course design reflects a commitment to accessibility and usability for all learners. FSU is committed to creating an environment where all students can learn. To ensure learning is accessible for all students, course materials are offered using the principles of accessibility and universal design. Students can vary in their learning preferences, physical abilities, communication skills, socioeconomic status, or access to technology. A commitment to accessible design benefits a broader student population. In making their courses accessible, instructors are not only complying with federal requirements, but they are also meeting the educational needs of all learners.
Essential Standards
8.1: Course navigation facilitates ease of use.
8.2: The course design facilitates readability.
8.3: Text in the course is accessible.
8.4: Images in the course are accessible.*
8.5: Video and audio content in the course is accessible.*
8.6: Multimedia in the course is easy to use. (2-point standard)
8.7: Vendor accessibility statements are provided for the technologies used in the course. (1-point standard)
General and essential standards are taken from the Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition.
*In the QM rubric, Standards 8.4 and 8.5 are considered very important (2-point) standards. FSU recognizes the importance of ensuring multimedia content is accessible to all learners, so Standards 8.4 and 8.5 are required elements for the FSU Online Quality Initiative.
