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 to evaluate the accessibility of a product or service can be found in the ICT Accessibility Procurement Process diagram.

A Manual Accessibility Evaluation checklist (.docx) to help with the evaluation process.

The Syracuse University ICT Accessibility Procurement Form Draft (.docx) outlines the questions the University's ICT Accessibility Assessment Committee asks about a product or service. Please email the completed form to accessibleIT@syr.edu to start the assessment process.

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 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template® 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 specializes 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 the 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:

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.

Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates® (VPAT®)

The Information Technology Industry Council VPAT® tool simplifies the accessibility assessment of products and services. VPAT® 1.0 relates to the (1998) Section 508 standards. VPAT® 2.0 uses the United States Access Board Section 508 Refresh, WCAG 2.0 Guidelines, and Standard - EN 301 549.

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 criterion 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 of completed VPATs

Vendors who offer accessibility audits and VPAT® completion

Select a VPAT® evaluator that will test against the prevailing standards and guidelines. Verify that the VPAT® vendor has used automation tools and manual assistive technology validation. Ideally, the VPAT® vendor completes their testing by using product use case testing by PWDs.

Considering a Product or Service that is not accessible

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 will guide purchasers through the process of requesting an Exception. If an Exception is granted, two additional steps must be taken.

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

Gauge the potential impact on the University of a particular product's accessibility

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 address 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?

Need Assistance

Assistance with information and communication technology purchases are available from your department support staff and the ITS Accessibility Center. You can find contact information for your department support staff at http://its.syr.edu/supportsvc. You can contact the ITS Accessibility Center by emailing help@syr.edu or accessibleIT@syr.edu.