Overview

The University will use the criteria of accessibility as part of its decision-making process when purchasing Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Purchasing priority is to be given to technologies that meet accessibility Standards and Guidelines.  We ask vendors who wish to do business with the University to provide written information about their product’s conformance to applicable accessibility Standards and Guidelines.  Vendor-supplied statements about accessibility will be verified through hands-on evaluation of the product prior to purchase.

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A Manual Accessibility Evaluation checklist (.docx) to help with the evaluation process.

Working with Vendors

Questions for vendors

Use the Questions for vendors below when starting conversations with the vendor about accessibility.

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Note: See a more extensive list of questions for vendors.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

RFPs and contracts with ICT vendors will reflect the University's commitment to accessibility. All RFPs will include language that assures products purchased will be compliant with this policy.  For example:

Accessibility. [Vendor] represents and warrants that its web based deliverables comply with World Wide Web Consortium's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, WCAG 2.0 AA, and agrees to provide written documentation verifying accessibility, to promptly respond to and resolve accessibility complaints received from Customer, and to indemnify and hold Customer harmless in the event of claims arising from inaccessibility.

If an accessible product is not available or does not align with other dominant criteria for product selection, an Exception to the Policy may be requested. The ICT Accessibility Policy exception process outlined below will guide purchasers through the process of requesting an Exception. If an Exception is granted, two additional steps must be taken.

1. Syracuse University will work with the vendor to establish a time frame for improving accessibility
2. An Equally Effective Alternate Access Plan will be documented and in place to provide equivalent access for individuals with disabilities until the product can be made accessible

Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPAT)

Templates

• VPAT version 1.0
• VPAT version 2.0 Beta

Characteristics of a reliable VPAT

• The salesperson knows what a VPAT is
• VPAT was completed by a 3rd party rather than the product vendor
• Every criteria is not “Supported”
• It is dated within the last year or two
• There are Remarks and Explanations
  • Real examples are provided
  • Testing procedures are referenced
• The vendor has a reputation / history of dedicating resources to accessibility, e.g. Microsoft, Google, Blackboard

Examples of completed VPATs

• Example of an informative VPAT [pdf]
• Example of an uninformative VPAT (pdf)

Vendors who offer accessibility audits and VPAT completion

• LevelAccess

• Deque

• Criterion 508 Solutions Inc.

• Interactive Accessibility
• The Paciello Group
• Accessibility Partners
• Bender Consulting Services, Inc
• Webaim.org

Considering a Product or Service that is not accessible

If an accessible product is not available or does not align with other dominant criteria for product selection, an Exception to the Policy may be requested. The ICT Accessibility Policy exception process will guide purchasers through the process of requesting an Exception. If an Exception is granted, two additional steps must be taken.

1. Syracuse University will work with the vendor to establish a time frame for improving accessibility
2. An Equally Effective Alternate Access Plan will be documented and in place to provide equivalent access for individuals with disabilities until the product can be made accessible

Other Resources

WebAIM's WCAG 2.0 checklist

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