With many Texas State agencies developing their information technology accessibility compliance plans, there is a need for accessibility exception requests (based on TAC 213.37 and TAC 217.37. While you could consider this a big fat loop hole that allows agencies to say…”We need an accessibility exception.” I see it as an opportunity.

Every exception form that is filled out will need to be reviewed by that agency’s accessibility coordinator. And the head of that agency will have to approve any exceptions, while documenting how reasonable accommodations will be handled as well as setting a time limit on the exception.

Every exception is a chance to help people see that making IT accessible is often easier than documenting exceptions. And if the agency understands the principles of universal accessibility, then the effort to make IT compliant ends up benefiting everyone.

With that said, I’m collecting a list of Electronic Information Resources (EIR) Accessibility Exception Requests to share with my colleagues. I hope you find this information helpful and that you use it to knock down barriers between people and information technology.

EIR Accessibility Exception Requests

You may wonder why a girl in Texas is referencing a university in California. Well, while CSU is far from Texas, they have taken a leadership role in accessible IT. In fact, CSU’s Accessibility Technology Initiative is a great model to examine. Closer to home, the Texas HHS Accessibility Center is another excellent state agency accessibility program

Are there any other EIR Accessibility Exception Request forms that you have found helpful? I’d love to know about them!