MCommunity Transformation Project: Accessibility and DEI

Presented by: Kyle Cochrane & Chris Hable | ITS

Abstract

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The MCommunity Directory was recently updated and offers a number of important enhancements that meet accessibility standards and exemplifies diversity, equity & inclusion principles.

The MCommunity Transformation Project brought the online directory up to accessibility standards. The project team worked closely with the ITS Accessibility team to ensure that the upgraded technology and content is able to be used by people with disabilities as well as by the rest of the community. The MCommunity Directory is viewable on mobile devices and supported by many browsers, which enables optimal accessibility.

With API integrations, the project team was able to include NameCoach, a name pronunciation tool. Individuals are able to include a pronunciation guide if they wish. This fosters community and respect by allowing others to hear the proper pronunciation of a person's name. The MCommunity Directory also now includes control over an individual's name alias and pronouns. Those who wish to activate these features can set who can see their alias or pronouns. This is particularly important for the LGBTQIA+ community. They may choose to show their friends and the university community their name alias or pronouns but not those outside of the university because they may not feel safe to do so. Previously, people didn't have control over their alias and had to find workarounds to include pronouns.

These enhancements and improvements benefit the entire university community.

Category

Digital Fluency for a Digital Future

Area(s) of Focus

  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)