Promoting accessibility

Accessibility and Nondiscrimination Statements for Publications

Penn State has created various publication statements that should be included on printed or digital University marketing materials intended for external audiences. Adherence to these guidelines not only ensures editorial consistency and quality, but also shows compliance with certain University policies.

Maintaining an accessible and welcoming environment for all people is a priority of the University, our college, and every unit. This extends from our online presence to in-person events to the printed materials we create. The University maintains the full list of accessibility guidelines. This page provides a few, HHD-specific resources for accessibility issues that frequently arise.

Copy and paste the relevant statements below into your communication materials.

Non-Event Publication

Nondiscrimination statement to be included in communications (shortened)

Copy and paste the following:

This publication is available in alternative media on request. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Event Publication

Accessibility and Nondiscrimination statement to be included in communications (shortened)

Copy and paste the following:

This publication is available in alternative media on request. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access may contact [UNIT CONTACT NAME] at [UNIT CONTACT EMAIL] or call [UNIT CONTACT PHONE NUMBER] in advance of the program.

Accessibility consideration for live events

Interpreters

For live events—whether in person or streaming—the college encourages units to acquire a sign language interpreter. If an attendee requests an interpreter, the University is obligated to make a good faith to locate one effort right up until the event begins. The communications and marketing office can help you acquire an interpreter. Complete our communication request form.

We request at least two weeks notice, and scheduling an interpreter is unlikely if we do not have 48 hours notice.

Enable Transcription for Zoom webinars

Zoom now offers live transcription that is ~85% accurate for most speakers. It is recommended to utilize this service for all webinars. 

• From your Zoom dashboard, go to Settings on the left.
• Click on or scroll down to In Meeting (Advanced).
• Turn on Closed Captioning (should be the 5th option down).
• Check the box immediately underneath CC for Enable live transcription service.

Then when you enter into a Zoom call or meeting that you are hosting, you should see Live Transcript as an option across the bottom and when you click on that it gives you options to use closed captioning.  We will be using the third option in that menu, that uses the live transcription service.

If you using Kaltura to archive your videos, the Zoom transcripts will automatically be applied to your recording. 

Compliance guidelines

Learn about Penn State's compliance guidelines including the full nondiscrimination and accessibility statements.