You are here: Home » Legal, Procurement, Uncategorized » Strategic Maturity Model and Tactical use of Product Vendor Accessibility Process

Strategic Maturity Model and Tactical use of Product Vendor Accessibility Process

Handouts

Scheduled at 3:00 pm in Independence on Wednesday, November 13.

#39613

Speaker(s)

  • Susan Cullen, Tech for All
  • Leon McNaught, Director, Digital Accessibility and Equity Innovation, Digital Experience, & Accessibility, CSU

Session Details

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

Summary

Shift obligation to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) vendors to demonstrate a product’s accessibility compliance to them, away from education using a vendor accessibility demo to streamline the documentation review process. Procurement & contract language examples spelling out a vendor’s compliance responsibilities provided. We will discuss the relationship to the Accessibility Maturity Model, and how to involve vendors in alternative access plans. We will share how vendors respond to this process, both good and bad.

Abstract

Discussion will highlight the argument that universities assuming the responsibility of testing the accessibility conformance of products they purchase is unsustainable and resource-intensive. We will share an efficient, practical approach to adopting ICT across a campus. For the vendor, this means submitting clear and valid accessibility-related documentation, i.e., a well-constructed, accurate Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). We will walk through the CSU Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) Vendor Accessibility Requirements and how they are communicated to vendors building an understanding of accessibility compliance. Within that process, vendors must follow a representative typical navigational flow for users (User Flow) of their product, including unique functionality within the product. If a 3rd party tool is included, vendors must understand that accessibility compliance is also expected for those functions. We will share how vendors respond to this process, both good and bad. We will highlight when an Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan (EEAAP) is required for a product and the importance of providing information about any probable adverse impact on individuals with disabilities. The realities of poor quality EEAAPs will be shared. Learn how the CSU leverages the data points gathered in this process to support its greater strategic plans within the CSU ATI Capability Maturity Model. We will discuss the Department of Justice’s (Department) final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how that heightens the awareness of the need for accessibility compliance across all institutions, both public and private. Overall, tips on developing a fully articulated procurement process to mitigate risks and minimize the time and resources expended by universities will be articulated.

Keypoints

  1. The importance of an accessibility strategic plan.
  2. How to explain the accessibility procurement process and begin to adopt or adapt it as needed for your org.
  3. How to spot a weak or flawed EEAAP.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Legal, Procurement, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Susan 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. 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.

Leon McNaught

As the Director of Digital Accessibility at Cal State LA, Leon leads the implementation of the Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI), a system-wide framework to improve web, procurement, and instructional materials accessibility among higher education stakeholders. He also collaborates with other campuses, vendors, and community organizations to share best practices, resources, and solutions for accessibility challenges. Leon’s aim is to foster a culture of digital accessibility, equity, and inclusion at Cal State LA and beyond.

Handout(s)