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
- 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
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
WebAIM's WCAG 2.0 checklist
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
Screen reader keystrokes
Accessibility Contracting Best Practices
Incorporating Accessibility into the ICT Procurement Process - Workshop PowerPoints