Vendor Information for Accessibility

Vendors and Publisher Materials

All of the products we obtain from third party vendors must be accessible to persons with disabilities. Each department and/or faculty member is responsible for making sure the vendor is aware of our accessibility policy and that their product complies with the policy.  An evaluation of the product or service is suggested prior to purchase.

Online Learning and Technology (OLAT) can work with you or assist you with making sure your procurement meets our accessibility requirements. Upon request we can review documentation provided by the vendor and attend product demos prior to purchase.  Remember it is a college requirement that all purchases are accessible.

If after a review we conclude that the product/service is inaccessible, and there are no other comparable options, we can assist with an alternate plan for persons that need accommodations.

Requesting Accessibility Information

The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), is a document that vendors can provide to show how their product meets accessibility standards and how accessibility is incorporated in the product.  Request the VPAT prior to making any purchase of products and services.

The vendor may provide the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version of the VPAT or the Section 508 version of the VPAT for review.  Some vendors publish their VPATs on the company website.  If the VPAT is not available contact Online Learning and Technology (OLAT) for next steps. 

Verifying Vendor Information

After you receive the VPAT from the vendor you can now see how accessible the features and functions are.  In reviewing this information, we are comparing it to the WCAG Level AA standard.  Each feature of the product will show whether it conforms to WCAG standard A, AA or AAA.  It will also show the vendor's acknowledgment of performance.

•   Supports
•   Partially Supports
•   Does Not Support
•   N/A

We would be glad to schedule a meeting to assist in reviewing the VPAT with you and/or the vendor.  A product demo and/or access to a test environment would be an appropriate request at that time.

Accessibility Clause in Contract

VPATs are not a legally binding commitment. To maintain accessibility service and support in the current version and any future upgrades we want to make sure an accessibility clause is in the contract.  Our Legal department can assist with this upon review.