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?
VPATs
- 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
Gauge the potential
Other Resources
WebAIM's WCAG 2.0 checklist
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
Screen reader keystrokes
Incorporating Accessibility into the ICT Procurement Process Workshop PowerPoints
- Part I: The User's Perspective and Evaluating a website for Accessibility
- Part I: Introduction to Screen Readers
- Part II: Evaluating a web-based application for accessibility