Table of Contents
Table of Contents
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To speed up the process, we are asking for the Manual Accessibility Evaluation checklist checklist (.docx) and and ICT Accessibility Procurement Form Draft 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 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 The Manual Accessibility Evaluation checklist checklist (.docx) to to help with the evaluation process.
The The ICT Accessibility Procurement Form Draft Form Draft (.docx) outlines outlines the questions the ACC asks about a product or service.
Working with Vendors
Questions for vendors
Use the Questions the Questions for vendors below when 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:
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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
- VPAT version 1.0 (.doc)
- VPAT version 2.0 Beta (.docm)
Characteristics of a reliable VPAT®
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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.
- LevelAccess
- Interactive Accessibility
- The Paciello Group
- Accessibility Partners
- Bender Consulting Services, Inc
- WebAIM
Considering a Product or Service that is not accessible
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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
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
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Accessibility Contracting Best Practices
Incorporating Accessibility into the ICT Procurement Process - Workshop PowerPoints