A prominent new website has been launched to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to services at Boston College.
The website [www.bc.edu/accessibility] collects information from across campus to give users a comprehensive view of the resources BC offers for those with disabilities. From parking and transportation guides to accessible building entrances to technology guidelines to contact phone numbers for BC’s Disabilities Service Office, the site is packed with useful details.
The web project was undertaken by the Disability Services Committee, along with Vice President of Information Technology Services Michael Bourque, Executive Vice President Patrick Keating, Vice Provost for Faculties Patricia DeLeeuw, Office of Institutional Diversity Associate Director Judy Ferres, Dean of Students Paul Chebator (now retired), Senior Associate Dean of Students Carole Hughes and Web Technology Manager Scott Olivieri. Scott Lapinski provided analysis and Lynch School of Education Associate Professor Richard Jackson consulted in the project.
“Not only is this site useful to students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus, but it sends a powerful signal about the importance we place for Boston College to be accessible to all,” said DeLeeuw. “It may be a legal requirement, but more than that, it is also an ethical obligation.”
For students, the site outlines the full range of resources both at the institution and within the community. It clearly directs users to the person or department who can assist with dining, housing, transportation or library needs. For students with learning disabilities, direct links to content from the Connors Family Learning Center quickly explains how they can receive support services or how an individual may request accommodations.
The site is also a rich resource for faculty, documenting how a professor can better integrate support services in class. Suggested syllabi statements along with an accessibility checklist are provided. ITS strives for a “barrier-free technology environment” to members of the community and has a detailed section explaining the concepts of Universal Design for Learning and training sessions to help all web editors become more aware of accessibility issues.
In addition, the site links to employee and student grievance procedures, so the University may swiftly respond to problems.
“We hope the site reflects what we believe to be true – that Boston College is an inclusive community where all individuals are welcomed and supported,” said Olivieri.
The website will be evolving constantly, as various groups and departments update content on their sites. Links to the website can be found on the “About BC” tab on www.bc.edu, as well as the footer of most Boston College websites under “Accessibility.”
