Tactical use of Product Vendor Accessibility Process: From High-Impact to Demo

Speaker(s)

• Leon McNaught, Director, Digital Accessibility, California State University, Los Angeles
• Sue Cullen, Director of Universal Design & ICT Accessibility, Tech For All

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format: Lecture
• Expertise Level: All Levels
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

Cutting through the noise of low-quality Accessibility Conformance reports (ACRs). Learn how to work with vendors to demonstrate the functionality of their product for individuals with disabilities and use demo results to reset the accessibility discussion/requirements. Use the information obtained from this process (whether positive or negative) to guide favorable outcomes and avoid the quagmire.

Abstract

Use the vendor product demonstration to obtain quality information when an ACR is unavailable or insufficient. The vendor product demonstration is a core component of the CSU Accessible Technology Initiative procurement implementation at Cal State LA. Walk through the Cal State LA Vendor requirements, which communicate the requirements for the product accessibility demonstration following the typical navigation pathway of a user interacting with the products. How to use the demonstration results to validate the information needed or provided on the ACR or to start a discussion for the vendor and buyer to understand the required documentation.

This session outlines how to use a vendor product accessibility demonstration to obtain quality information when an ACR is unavailable or insufficient. The demonstration is a core component of the CSU Accessible Procurement Process implementation at Cal State LA. The importance of communicating clear vendor requirements for them to conduct a demonstration is based on the core functions and user interactions with the product, commonly referred to as User Flow. We will also discuss how to use the demonstration results to validate information provided on the ACR or to start a discussion for the vendor and buyer to understand what is needed.

The result of this interaction with the vendor provides a baseline of the accessibility barriers, especially in the absence of accessibility documentation. This may sometimes help identify if an Equally Effective Alternate Access Plan is necessary. This approach does not replace a fully articulated, accessible procurement program but can help as you work with limited time and resources.

This session best suits individuals leveraging limited resources in their accessible procurement process. Maximize the available information on a product’s accessibility conformance in a minimum amount of time. The CSU Accessible procurement framework will be shared as a fully articulated process.

Keypoints

1. How to work with limited resources for maximum impact within the procurement process.
2. Understanding the importance of the User Flow and how this relates to the ACR testing methodologies.
3. How to conduct a vendor product accessibility demo.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Procurement, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Leon McNaught

Leon McNaught is the Director of Digital Accessibility at Cal State LA. His work at the Los Angeles campus includes implementing the CSU system-wide Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI), a Capability Maturity Model framework, to improve digital accessibility among higher education stakeholders. ATI focuses on three priority areas: web, instructional materials, and procurement. Leon’s other work includes accessibility consulting, and he is the Vice Chairperson on the board of Blindness Support Services in Riverside, CA. Leon has worked in the field of assistive technology and accessibility in higher education for 29 years, which provides a breadth of experience in an ever-changing field.

Sue Cullen

Sue Cullen is the Director of Universal Design and ITC Accessibility at Tech for All, Inc. She was the Assistant Director of the Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) for the California State University (CSU) System. Prior to joining the CSU Office of the Chancellor, Sue served as the campus ATI Executive Sponsor Designee, and was instrumental in creating the Universal Design Center (UDC) at California State University, Northridge. Sue trained the professional staff and paraprofessional students at the UDC to provide services to both CSU Northridge and the CSU. In addition, Sue helped build the CSU Accessible Technology Network (ATN), which is comprised of accessibility experts both inside and outside the CSU. Sue is a recognized IT Accessibility expert and is regularly called upon to present at national conferences. Sue was Co-Chair of the EDUCAUSE ITACCESS Constituency Group. She has been actively advocating for individuals with disabilities since 1995.