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. Use the Questions for vendors below when starting conversations with the vendor about accessibility.
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:
Accessibility. [Vendor] represents and warrants that its web based deliverables comply with World Wide Web Consortium's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, WCAG 2.0 AA, and agrees to provide written documentation verifying accessibility, to promptly respond to and resolve accessibility complaints received from Customer, and to indemnify and hold Customer harmless in the event of claims arising from inaccessibility.
If an accessible product is not available or does not align with other dominant criteria for product selection, an Exception to the Policy may be requested. The ICT Accessibility Policy exception process outlined below will guide purchasers through the process of requesting an Exception. If an Exception is granted, two additional steps must be taken.
Note: See a more extensive list of questions for vendors.
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
Accessibility Contracting Best Practices
Incorporating Accessibility into the ICT Procurement Process - Workshop PowerPoints