# Towards the Implementation Process of Accessible Virtual
## 3 Technological Accessibility Requirements in Higher Education Institutions
### Answers to Research Questions Related to Technological Accessibility Requirements in HEIs  
3.3.1. NRQ1 What Are the Actions, Plans, or Policies Related to Technological Accessibility That Are Being Implemented in HEIs Reported in Literature? There are different elements that distinguish disability and adaptations that are required to support students with disabilities in their academic efforts. For instance, there are requirements that imply the design of mechanisms aided by technology to overcome educational barriers. On the other hand, the application of existing norms with accessibility in mind, can help promote the matter [31]. The actions identified focus on the adaptation of physical spaces and the implementation of accessible classrooms. Furthermore, internal information technology (IT) teams or departments within HEIs with specialized personnel to train and guide users in the institution towards the development of accessible content have been identified. Laws and norms have been established in order to promote the access to education. As a result, many HEIs have issued institutional policies that commit support for people with disabilities, personnel training, and for research into accessibility issues. Implementing institutional policies that include accessibility aspects contributes to the development of accessible technological platforms as a response to the requirements of students with disabilities. 3.3.2. NRQ2: What Are the Documented Norms in Literature That Regulate Aspects of Technological Accessibility in HEIs? Currently, international, national, or autonomous bodies exist in each country that are in charge of promoting the equality and integration of individuals with disabilities, while safeguarding fundamental human rights of all people. Bodies like UNESCO, Convention for Human Rights, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), are international entities that promote and are in charge of ensuring compliance with accessibility normativity within member nations [9; 32; 33; 34]. In Mexico, some of the organizations focused on promoting improvements in the field of education, research, services, transportation, and development for people with disabilities include the National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions  
Figure 2: Studies found by country related to accessibility requirements and technological strategies. (ANUIES), and the Department of Public Education (SEP) [35; 36]. In addition, legislations and standards exist that guarantee compliance with accessibility requirements in the field of IT, including products, services, hardware, software, and web content under the country's jurisdiction. In the United States of America, laws and regulations have been passed that prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, mandate web content be accessible by following standards in combination with undergoing compliance inspections, and increase accessibility in academic spaces. Similarly, countries such as Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and Spain contain legislation that promotes and guarantees accessibility. Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Peru have each made strides to guarantee education to people with disabilities [33; 37; 38; 39]. 3.3 NRQ3: What Are the Requirements Addressed in Technological Accessibility Strategies Implemented by HEIs? Among the requirements identified in HEIs that relate to access barriers to adequate educational content and transportation for students with disabilities are the implementation of policies, norms, and syllabi about accessibility topics; the elaboration of strategies for inclusive environments; the training of personnel in the areas of accessibility; and the implementation of classrooms and physical spaces with adaptability in mind [1; 27; 40; 41; 42; 43]. Student desertion for those with disabilities enrolled in HEIs is a consequence of lack of adequate spaces, accessible technology, materials, and technological resources.