Digital Accessibility Policy

HAPS is committed to providing a digital environment that is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. Digital environments include, but are not limited to, information technologies, webpages, web-based applications, online instructional content, services, and resources. HAPS’ commitment to digital accessibility is grounded not only in principles of equity and inclusion, but also in the knowledge that accessible content enhances usability for everyone.

This policy applies to all digital environments acquired, adopted, updated, or developed after April 1, 2019. The policy applies to:
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• Active webpages or digital content launched after April 1, 2019
• Web-based applications and non-web software acquired or renewed after April 1, 2019.
• Legacy webpages or digital content that is updated or modified after April 1, 2019.
• Archived webpages or digital content requested by and made available to a user.
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We are committed to ensuring equal access for all people engaging with HAPS digital content. HAPS requires all digital content to be compliant with:
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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §794d)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Levels A and AA.

All webpages and web-based applications must display in a consistent location (e.g., menu or text in the banner or footer) an accessibility statement or link to this policy, and provide contact information.

Exceptions to this policy may be granted in certain limited circumstances. In order to be considered for an exception the request must meet one of the following criteria, as defined by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Revised).

When full compliance with accessibility standards is not technically possible.
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Examples: Virtual or augmented reality media for which full compliance is not yet fully supported.A live media stream on a social media platform that does not yet support live captions.

Fundamental Alteration
When bringing the content, product, or service into compliance would fundamentally alter the program or service.
Example: A listening comprehension exam for a foreign language class does not provide closed captions because it would fundamentally alter the exam.

Not Commercially Available
An accessible product which meets the business requirements is not commercially available.
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Examples: While there are many 3D modeling products on the market, none are fully compliant.In order to maintain accreditation a professional school must prepare students to use industry standard software that is not compliant. There is no alternative that meets the curricular need.
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Undue burden
When providing an accessible digital product or service would result in an undue financial or administrative burden.