Missouri S&T is committed to ensuring everyone’s access to information and communication technology. Purchased technology should adhere to the federal accessibility laws and standards.
What is information and communication technology?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as revised in 2017, defines information and communication technology as ‘information technology and other equipment, systems, technologies, or processes for which the principal function is the creation, manipulation, storage, display, receipt, or transmission of electronic data, information and any associated content.’ Examples relevant to digital accessibility include software, applications, websites, videos and electronic documents.
To promote accessibility and inclusivity, the revised Section 508 incorporates the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level A and AA standards, ensuring that digital content is accessible to individuals with disabilities and fostering an equitable experience for all users.
Purchaser Responsibilities
All decision-makers involved in acquiring technology solutions at S&T are required to prioritize accessibility throughout the procurement process. Accessibility must be a core criterion when evaluating technology solutions to ensure compliance with institutional and legal standards. An accessibility review will be conducted in conjunction with IT asset management reviews for all technology acquisitions.
When considering third-party products, it is mandatory to verify that vendors provide equal access and fully meet accessibility requirements before purchase approval. The following baseline requirements must be communicated to vendors and documented as part of the procurement process
Product Accessibility Vendor Requirements
- Demonstrate the ability to use the product without a mouse.
- Identify the parties responsible for assessing product accessibility (e.g., internal team, third-party assessor).
- Ensure that people with disabilities have tested the product and provide documentation of such testing.
- Provide evidence of compliance with Section 508 (e.g., Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 level AA or higher).
- Submit a current Accessibility Conformance Report (completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, VPAT).
- Designate an accessibility representative to address accessibility-related issues and inquiries.
- Describe the processes by which accessibility is integrated into product design and development.
- Maintain and document a formal resolution process for accessibility issues.
- Specify the frequency and methodology for accessibility compliance assessments.
- Provide an Accessibility Roadmap for any products that do not currently meet accessibility compliance standards.
What is a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template® (VPAT)?
A VPAT is a document outlining the compliance of information and communication technology products, including software, hardware, electronic content, and support documentation, with the Revised 508 Standards for information technology and communication accessibility. A completed VPAT is called an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). Someone familiar with digital accessibility within your company, such as an accessibility specialist or a reputable third-party accessibility auditor, should fill out the VPAT. Download the 508 VPAT from the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) website. The General Services Administration site provides instructions on creating an Accessibility Conformance Report, and ITI offers VPAT Training Modules on its website. An accessibility statement does not replace our requirement for an ACR (or completed VPAT).
What is an Accessibility Roadmap?
An accessibility roadmap outlines a vendor’s plan for resolving accessibility issues in alignment with relevant guidelines and standards. Vendors should detail how and when their product will become fully accessible or explain their approach to addressing accessibility in future updates. This demonstrates the vendor’s commitment to enhancing the product’s accessibility. Completing a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) helps identify accessibility issues and develop an accessibility roadmap.
Accessibility Compliance
S&T IT partners with the requesting department to support accessibility compliance as part of the IT asset management review process. The goal is to help departments navigate the accessibility compliance process and ensure technology purchases align with established accessibility standards. Suppliers, vendors and contractors must provide accessible information and communication technology and may be asked to submit relevant accessibility documentation, which could be incorporated into the final legal agreement.
If you have questions or need help with this process, chat with IT at help.mst.edu.