What are Electronic and Information Resources (EIR)?

Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) are technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications, with a focus on communication technologies (e.g. website content and multimedia).

Texas law defines EIR, in part, as "information technology and any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment used to create, convert, duplicate, store, or deliver data or information." See the full definition from the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 213.

What does EIR accessibility mean? 

Accessibility means that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use them. More specifically, people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, interact with, and contribute to EIRs. The functional definition of accessibility states that people with disabilities must be provided the opportunity to (1) acquire the same information, (2) engage in the same interactions, (3) enjoy the same services as people without disabilities, with (4) "substantially equivalent ease of use." EIR must be usable to people of all abilities in an equitable manner. This can be achieved by either implementing accessible technologies or via an accommodation that provides an equitable experience.

What is the technical standard for accessibility?

The technical standards for accessibility, as defined by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, mirror the international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Level AA. While WCAG applies to web developer content, its standards have been incorporated in many word processor and content creator applications and their tools.

Who is responsible for providing accessible content?

Accessibility is a shared responsibility, beginning with content authors. Whether it is created in Microsoft Word, Blackboard, or HTML, authors must produce accessible content before it is shared with their communities. When the content is curated from an external source, the author must do their due diligence in selecting accessible content. This can be as simple as finding and citing accessibility support information from the original source.

Who is responsible for supporting accessibility at UH?

The EIR Accessibility Coordinator is responsible for supporting accessibility within the University of Houston System (UHS). If you have a question regarding accessibility, please contact the appropriate administrator for the technology in question. If the issue cannot be resolved, the appropriate administrator should escalate the concern to the EIR Accessibility Coordinator. 

Please note that each UHS campus has a designated EIR Accessibility Coordinator who communicates regularly with the System coordinator. Contact information can be found on the EIRA Coordinators page.

How do I report an accessibility issue?

If you experience a barrier that affects your ability to access UH websites, videos, online forms, or other EIR, please send a detailed message to the EIR Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@uh.edu.