Accessibility

(Adopted April 1, 2026)

Clayton State University is committed to ensuring equal access to information, programs, services, and activities for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, including individuals with disabilities. Accessibility is an essential component of the University’s mission and is integrated into both the physical and digital environments of the institution.

Clayton State University actively works to ensure that its websites, learning management systems, digital documents, instructional materials, software, mobile applications, and electronic services are accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.

This commitment applies to all University‑provided web content and mobile applications, including academic course materials, institutional content posted on third‑party platforms, and content delivered through contractual or licensing arrangements, unless a limited legal exception applies.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Clayton State University’s digital accessibility efforts are guided by and aligned with:

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA)
• U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) guidance
• University System of Georgia (USG) policies, standards, and accessibility expectations
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, as the current technical benchmark for digital accessibility

In accordance with federal requirements, Clayton State University is working toward full compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA for covered web content and mobile applications by April 24, 2026.

Accessibility Commitment

Clayton State University is committed to:

• Providing digital content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust
• Incorporating accessibility into the procurement, development, and maintenance of digital technologies
• Responding promptly to accessibility concerns and resolving identified barriers
• Engaging in continuous review and improvement of digital accessibility practices

While the University strives to ensure accessibility across all digital platforms, some legacy content or third-party systems may not yet fully conform to accessibility standards. Clayton State University is actively working to remediate such content and provide timely alternative access when needed. In limited circumstances permitted by law, certain content may qualify for a recognized exception or require an alternative accessible version. In such cases, the University will ensure that individuals with disabilities receive access to information and services in a timely and effective manner.

Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services collaborates with the campus community to support students with documented disabilities through reasonable accommodation and access planning in accordance with ADA and Section 504 requirements. Disability Services also serves as a consultative resource for faculty, staff, and departments on accessibility, compliance, and inclusive practices.

Reporting Accessibility Barriers

Clayton State University encourages individuals to report any digital accessibility barriers that prevent access to online content, systems, or services. Reports should include the webpage, document, or system where the issue occurred and a brief description of the problem.

To report an accessibility issue or request assistance, contact: webaccessibility@clayton.edu.

Individuals may also file a formal complaint through the University’s ADA/Section 504 grievance process if they believe they have been denied equal access due to an accessibility barrier.

ADA/Section 504 Coordinator

Clayton State University designates the following individual to coordinate compliance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Dr. Damika Howard-Wayne, Director, Disability Services

Email: DamikaHoward-Wayne@clayton.edu

The ADA/Section 504 Coordinator oversees compliance efforts, responds to accessibility concerns, and manages the University’s grievance procedures related to disability discrimination and access.

Accessible Procurement

Clayton State University incorporates accessibility into the procurement and contracting of digital technologies. Vendors and third-party providers are expected to demonstrate conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA or higher through documentation such as a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) or Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).

Procurement decisions consider accessibility as a required criterion. When a product does not fully meet accessibility standards, the University evaluates the level of risk, availability of alternatives, and the feasibility of providing equivalent access.

Digital Accessibility Team (DAT)

As part of Clayton State University’s institutional commitment to accessibility, the Digital Accessibility Team (DAT) was established to coordinate and advance digital accessibility compliance across the University.

Purpose

The Digital Accessibility Team provides leadership and oversight for university-wide digital accessibility initiatives, ensuring that electronic information and technologies are accessible and compliant with applicable laws and standards.

Charge Statement

The Digital Accessibility Team is charged with supporting Clayton State University’s compliance with ADA, Section 504, DOJ guidance, and USG expectations by promoting accessible digital design, implementation, and ongoing evaluation.

Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation

Clayton State University engages in continuous monitoring and evaluation of digital accessibility across university platforms. The Digital Accessibility Team conducts periodic reviews, audits, and assessments to identify barriers, measure progress, and guide remediation efforts.

Findings from accessibility reviews inform training, resource development, and updates to university policies and procedures.

Remediation Expectations and Prioritization

When accessibility issues are identified, Clayton State University prioritizes remediation based on the impact on students, faculty, staff, and the public. High impact systems—such as learning management systems, registration, financial aid, and instructional materials—receive priority attention to ensure timely access.

The University works collaboratively with content owners, departments, and vendors to ensure that barriers are resolved promptly and effectively.

Responsibilities

The Digital Accessibility Team will:

• Establish and maintain University-wide digital accessibility goals and priorities
• Recommend and support policies and procedures that integrate accessibility into the full technology lifecycle, including procurement, design, development, and maintenance
• Provide guidance, training, and technical assistance to faculty, staff, and departments
• Lead or support internal and external digital accessibility reviews and audits
• Monitor, assess, and report on the effectiveness of digital accessibility initiatives
• Revise plans and strategies to address emerging standards, technologies, and identified access barriers.

Point of Contact

For any accessibility issue, request for accessible formats, or questions regarding digital accessibility, please contact the Digital Accessibility Team at webaccessibility@clayton.edu.

2026 Clayton State University Digital Accessibility Team

• Ashlee Spearman, Vice President, Enrollment, Marketing, and Student Success, Co-Chair
• Damika Howard-Wayne, Director of Disability Services, Co-Chair
• James Pete, Vice President, Information Technology & Services/CIO, Co-Chair
• Kimberley Campbell, Executive Director, Auxiliary Services (Business & Operations)
• Reginald Turner, Executive Director, Continuing and Professional Education (Continuing and Professional Education)
• Stephen Burnett, Professor of Biology (Faculty Senate)
• Joseph Clark, Assistant Director, Strategic Communications and Media Relations (Marketing and Communications)
• Nomayo Vincent-Ekunwe, Web & Technology Specialist (Library)
• Rodney Byrd, Assistant Vice President, Human Resources (Human Resources)
• Samuel Viebrock, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications (Athletics)
• Stanley Ross, Instructional Designer (Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching)
• Tony Berry, Technology & Communications Manager, Laker Life (Student Affairs)
• Corlis Cummings, General Counsel and Chief Legal Affairs Officer (Legal Counsel)
• Dana Brown, Director, Foundation Operations (Advancement and External Affairs)
• Dawn Krieger, Director, Cybersecurity Compliance (Information Technology & Services)
• Katherine Sylvestre, Assistant Director of Enrollment Communications (Enrollment Services)
• Kayla Rodney, Instructional Designer (Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching)
• Leanne Bradberry, Senior Web Developer (Marketing and Communications)
• Nikia Yallah, Director, Deputy, Chief Human Resources Officer (Human Resources)
• Shakena Thornton, Communications and Knowledge Manager (Information Technology & Services)
• Tamara Hawk, Marketing Consultant (Spivey Hall)
• Tiffany Freeman, Director, Laker Life/Campus Engagement (Student Affairs)