Support of SB 302 (Kuehl): An act to amend Section 11135 of the Government Code: Relating to Discrimination

AS-2614-03/Floor/Parsons/Pincu - May 8-9, 2003

ATTACHMENT TO AS-2614-03/Floor/Parsons/Pincu

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University (CSU) support SB 302 which amends state code (Section 11135 of the Government Code) to include the California State University among state agencies that must implement provisions of the American with Disabilities Act and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in relation to the provision of accessible electronic and information technologies including web accessibility for all programs and services.

RATIONALE: As a state agency providing education to the citizens of the State of California, the CSU must come into compliance in the delivery of electronic and information technologies with the provisions of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and provisions of the American with Disabilities Act. These provisions mandate the accessibility of electronic and information technologies and for the provision of related services. In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act to add Section 508 to require Federal (and federally funded) agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. Inaccessible technology interferes with an individual's ability to obtain and use information quickly and easily. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY - May 8-9, 2003