There may be instances when a tool that is not completely accessible must be used for a course. This may be because it is either an industry-standard piece of software or no other tool is available with a comparable set of features. In a case like this, a backup plan must be developed to ensure that all students have an equally effective way to complete the course content. This is called an Equally Effective Alternate Access Plan, or EEAAP.

An EEAAP is important if it is necessary to buy, develop, or use a technology that is not fully accessible. It is a plan that describes how to provide alternate access to the same information or services to ensure that all students have fair, equitable, and timely access as required by law. This alternate plan does not need to produce the same experience that would be achieved by persons without disabilities, but the end result does need to be equally effective.

EEAAP Template

The person requesting the tool can work with an accessibility consultant to fill out the EEAAP template, which includes sections for the following information:

Description of the issues. This part details the accessibility limitations of the tool. For example, "This software is not keyboard accessible."
Persons or groups affected: List the person(s) or groups who may/will be affected by the issue, including the total number of affected persons. Groups may be specific (e.g., IT employees, engineering students, etc.) or general (e.g., members of the general public, visitors, students, CSU employees, etc.).
Responsible person(s): List the name(s) and title(s) of the campus employee(s) who will be responsible for taking the actions specified in the plan.
How EEAAP will be provided: Describe in detail how the responsible department's or person's plan will be communicated and what will be provided. For example, "To access room availability, visitors can go to a different web page that contains the same information."
EEAAP resources required: List any resources required (including training, equipment, additional staff, etc.) to provide access for the known issue.
Repair information: Provide a brief description or any relevant information regarding repair of the issue by the vendor or third-party service provider as well as the completion date.

Please note that courseware approvals and the accompanying EEAAPs must be reviewed every two years to ensure that they are up-to-date in case the tool's use case or features change.

Alternate Access Strategies

When developing an alternate access plan, there are several strategies you can employ to prepare for the possibility that a student who enrolls in the course won't be able to use a tool in a way that is otherwise required. These strategies include the following:

Choice: Allow students to choose a tool that works best for them or to choose from a list of options.
Alternate: Have most students use one tool, but have an accessible backup plan ready when needed.
Teams: Have students use the tool in teams or pairs.

Updated March 2025