Digital Accessibility Committee (DAC)

The DAC supports the University community to achieve compliance with adopted digital content accessibility policies, procedures, and implementation plans.

Ione Priest (they/she)
DAC Chair, Asst. Director of Accessibility Technology and Testing, Access Center

Zach Clark (he/him)
Sr. Instructional Accessibility Specialist, Center for Teaching, Learning and Design

Dr. April Hill (she/her)
Assistant Chair, Department of Chemistry

Chris Mancuso (he/him)
Associate Director Digital Content Strategy, University Communications and Marketing

Truong Nguyen (he/him)
Senior Solutions Architect, Information Technology Services

Amanda Miracle (she/her)
Assistant Director, Office of Equal Opportunity

The Metropolitan State University of Denver Digital Accessibility Committee (DAC) was founded in 2010. Initially known as the Technology Accessibility Initiative Committee (TAIC), it was co-sponsored by the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and the Chief Information Officer of Information Technology Services. The TAIC’s membership included representation from key university units and constituents and was charged with advancing MSU Denver’s ongoing commitment to providing access to information resources, technologies, and related services to individuals with disabilities.

This scope was broad but focused on technology-related materials and included areas such as: web content, instructional materials, kiosk/digital signage, training materials, the online learning environment, the procurement of technology systems and services, and a process for assessing the accessibility of these systems and services. This initiative did not encompass the assessment of facilities or architectural barriers related to accessibility.

Since its inception, the DAC has worked to develop relevant policies and procedures, as well as identifying specific resources to assist the campus community with the implementation of these changes. Notable accomplishments include:

• Created an Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Implementation Plan (EITA) for MSU Denver.
• Lobbied the President’s Cabinet and the President’s Council for the funding of three permanent positions related to accessibility, resulting in the hiring of a full-time Instructional Accessibility Manager (housed in CTLD).
• Successfully resolved complaints lodged against the University’s website with the Office of Civil Rights.
• Updated the University’s accessibility policies. Partnered with Student Affairs to procure an International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) membership for the university.