Build Your Own Accessible Procurement Model: Overview of the Process From Two California State University Campuses

Presented at 10:30am in Matchless on Thursday, January 1, 2022.

Speaker(s)

• Leon McNaught, Director, Digital Accessibility, California State University, Los Angeles
• Christine Fundell, Accessibility Coordinator, CSUSB

Session Details

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

Summary

CSUSB and Cal State LA provide an overview of the CSU Accessible Technology Initiative accessible procurement implementation at their respective campuses. The presenters discuss the systemwide framework and compare and contrast processes. Participants looking to build an accessible procurement model at their institution will learn the required components for successful implementation.

Abstract

The California State University (CSU), Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) accessible procurement framework provides a model to implement ICT accessibility processes while allowing flexibility to address campus culture and capability.

An overview of the accessible procurement workflow covers acquisition types, ICT renewals, assigning impact to determine the level of review, reviewing accessibility conformance documentation, vendor communication, and, when required, the creation of Equally Effective Alternate Access Plans.

The presenters cover strategies to obtain campus buy-in and cover the required communication and training to ensure successful adoption. Messaging and training focus on setting requester expectations, communicating timelines, and obtaining executive support.

The CSU accessible procurement framework varies across the 23 CSU campuses; the presenters provide insight into their respective campus cultures and how this impacts the implementation at their campus while still producing quality outcomes.

This session is best suited for participants looking to build, or in the process of building, an accessible procurement model at their institution. The presenters will touch on system-wide efficiencies and upcoming changes.

Keypoints

1. The California State University accessible procurement framework provides a guide for campus implementation.
2. Accessible procurement workflow strategies require core components but implementation differs by campus.
3. There are numerous strategies used to achieve stakeholder buy-in, including communication and training.

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.

Christine Fundell

Christine Fundell serves as the Accessibilty Coordinator at California State University (CSU), San Bernardino, where she also earned a Master of Public Administration. Christine oversees the campus commitment to the CSU system-wide Accessible Technology Initiative by providing guidance, training, and support to CSUSB community members. Christine promotes and maintains equitable digital experiences across all campus spaces, emphasizing instructional materials, web development, and procurement.