Accessibility Overview

SUNY Cobleskill EIT Accessibility Commitment

SUNY Cobleskill is committed to ensuring equal, integrated, and effective access to its programs, services, and activities through Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility. This commitment supports individuals with disabilities and promotes inclusive access to digital content and technologies across the campus community.

SUNY Cobleskill strives to make its electronic and information resources accessible to all users, regardless of ability or technology, in alignment with:

• Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA
• SUNY Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Policy
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Web Accessibility Regulations Guidance (July 24, 2025)

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SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech EIT Plan

Based on the standards addressed in the SUNY Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Policy  that requires system administration and all SUNY campuses to develop, purchase, host, and/or acquire, to the extent feasible, web pages, websites, hardware and software products and services that are accessible to persons with disabilities.

SUNY Cobleskill has completed the following requirements of the EIT Policy:

• SUNY Cobleskill has appointed Vinny Basile, Director of Online Education, as the EIT Accessibility Officer, responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the campus Accessibility Plan.
• SUNY Cobleskill created an EIT Committee to support and further the development of the Accessibility Plan addressing the standards and utilizing the EIT templates created by SUNY.
• Working groups are currently engaged in creating plans that adhere to the core elements of the accessibility plans and standards guidance as provided by the SUNY EIT policy.

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EIT Accessibility Standards and Oversight by Area

EIT officer
Vinny Basile, Director of Online Education

Websites and Software: Web Accessibility Standards (WAS)
Mohamed Baligh, Digital Marketing Manager

Digital Content: Digital Content Accessibility Standards (DCAS)
Vinny Basile, Director of Online Education

Classroom Technology & Design: Classroom Accessibility Standards (CAS)
Wendi Richards, Director of Accessibility Resources and Transition
Kessy Parkes, Facilities Planner
Donna Ackerman, SUCF Site Representative
Leah Johnson, Educational Learning and Development Specialist

Libraries: Library Accessibility Guidelines (LAG)
Faye Starman, Electronic Resources/Instruction Librarian

Procurement: Procurement Accessibility Conformance Standards (PACS)
Ryan Blair, IT - Central Business Office Manager
Anna Rosenberg, Procurement and Fiscal Analyst

Additional Stakeholders:
Karina Benninger, Chief Sustainability Officer and Director of Compliance
Nicole Field, Director of Personnel and Affirmative Action
Gary Morris, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
Andy Martin, CIO

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Minimum core elements of each Accessibility Plan should be as follows

• Authority and Responsibility: An assignment of roles, authority, responsibility and accountability for achieving policy compliance.
• Awareness Raising: A campaign to communicate EIT accessibility across all campus divisions and departments.
• Design: A comprehensive approach to ingrain accessibility into the creation of web and technology resources.
• Procurement: A procedure to include accessibility as a requirement within purchasing processes, including centralized and decentralized purchasing activities.
• Monitoring Compliance: A means for monitoring compliance with any standards listed in this document.
• Training: A method for training all University personnel who develop, select, purchase and maintain electronic and information technologies.

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Demonstrating Progress and Compliance

SUNY campuses are expected to be fully compliant with EIT Accessibility requirements by April 24, 2026. Campus presidents report annually to the Chancellor on institutional progress.

Annual reporting typically includes:

• Progress toward meeting SUNY EIT Accessibility standards
• Completion of training and professional development
• Status of high-impact digital content and systems
• Accessibility considerations in technology procurement
• Identified gaps, risks, and mitigation strategies
• Evidence of continuous improvement efforts

Compliance is demonstrated through:

• Accessible-by-default workflows
• Documented accessibility reviews and remediation
• Use of accessibility checkers and testing tools
• Prioritization of high-use instructional and public-facing content
• Integration of accessibility into:
  • Course design
  • Web content management
  • Procurement and vendor review

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April 2026 and Beyond

April 24, 2026 represents a transition point, not an endpoint.

After April 24, 2026:

• Accessibility is embedded into daily operational practices
• New digital content and technologies must meet EIT standards at creation
• Ongoing monitoring, training, and remediation continue
• Annual reporting remains a key component of institutional accountability

Accessibility at SUNY Cobleskill is an ongoing institutional responsibility, supporting equity, inclusion, and access for all members of the campus community.