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.
- Do they understand and comply with accessibility guidelines (Section 508 or WCAG 2.0 AA)
- Is a VPAT available? If so, ask for a copy.
- What is their process for testing accessibility?
- Do they test with actual users with different disabilities?
- Have they tested with any assistive technologies? Which ones?
- Do they have staff that specialize in accessibility?
- If the product is not accessible, do they have a roadmap for improvement? If so, ask for a copy.
- Who to contact if product is found to have accessibility problems?
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:
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Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPAT)
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Templates
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
Vendors who offer accessibility audits and VPAT completion
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