Overview
On Friday, December 1, 2017, the University adopted a policy governing the accessibility of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The policy is effective on January 1, 2018. One aspect in the policy describes the procurement of information technology products and services.
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To speed up the process, we are asking for the Manual Accessibility Evaluation checklist (.docx) and ICT Accessibility Procurement Form Draft (.docx) to be submitted at least two weeks before weekly scheduled AAC meeting. Please email the completed form to accessibleIT@syr.edu to start the review process. We are also asking that you prepare to answer questions about the purchase at the meeting.
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The process used to evaluate the accessibility of a product or service can be found in the ICT Accessibility Procurement Process diagram.
Assessment Documents
The Manual Accessibility Evaluation checklist (.docx) to help with the evaluation process.
The ICT Accessibility Procurement Form Draft (.docx) outlines the questions the ACC asks about a product or service.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Working with Vendors
Questions for vendors
Use the Questions for vendors below when starting conversations with the vendor about accessibility.
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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:
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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.
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- 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.
Other Resources
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