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.
The process used evaluate the accessibility of a product or service can be found in the ICT Accessibility Procurement Process diagram.
The Syracuse University ICT Accessibility Procurement Form Draft (.docx) outlines the questions being asked about a product or service.
A Manual Accessibility Evaluation checklist (.docx) to help with the evaluation process. Use the
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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- Syracuse University will work with the vendor to establish a time frame for improving accessibility
- 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
ICT Accessibility Procurement Process diagram
ICT Accessibility Procurement Form Draft (.docx)
Questions for vendors
- 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.
VPATs
Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPAT)
- VPAT Repository
- 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
- Vendors who offer accessibility audits and VPAT completion
Manual Accessibility Evaluation checklist (.docx)
Gauge the potential impact of a particular product's accessibility on the University
- Will the product be used by a large number of people?
- Will access to a University program or service be denied?
- Are there workarounds to the accessibility barriers?
- Will a critical program or service be impacted?
- Will the use create significant legal exposure?
- Will the cost of providing accommodations (alternate access) be high?
Other Resources
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