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
- 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
Incorporating Accessibility into the ICT Procurement Process - Workshop PowerPoints
Part I: Mobile Accessibility