Management Training on Technology Accessibility and Section 508 Compliance
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Management Training on Technology Accessibility and
Section 508 Compliance
All resources are available here: http://ets.fhda.edu/508
Learning Objectives
To understand the district Section 508 policy To understand how Section 508 impacts the
technology acquisition process To provide you with tools and resources to
help you comply with Section 508
Why is this process necessary?
Ensures technology is accessible to all Federal & State law compliance Motivates vendors
What is Section 508?
Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 known as the Section 508 Standards for Electronic and Information Technology (EIT)
Went into effect in June 2001. Adopted into California law last year
Government Code Section 11135
What does Section 508 do?
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) already requires accessibility for the institution as a whole
Section 508 clarifies how to ensure technology accessibility Provides standards for accessible EIT Requires new acquisitions meet those
standards
Why is it important to the district?
In order to function, students and employees must use technology
Achieving legal compliance Reduces liability in case of lawsuit Minimizes risk of complaints
Brief history of what has been done to this point
ETAC ad hoc committee
Policy formation
Purchasing
Web Standards
Consulting on individual basis
Roles and Responsibilities of Requestors (manager/faculty/staff)
Assist/coordinate with the manager to draft specifications and minimum requirements
Identify which Section 508 provisions apply Assist/coordinate with the manager to perform and
document market research Document exceptions that may apply Award the contract or order after complying with
policy steps
District Section 508 Policy Document has 3 sections
Summary of legal aspects Detailed explanation of policy EIT Determination form
508 Purchase Flowchart
What is Electronic & Information Technology (EIT)?
Nearly everything that runs on electricity in your office and learning environment
Includes information technology and any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the creation, conversion, or duplication of data or information.
What are the Section 508 Technical Standards that Apply?
1. Software Applications and Operating Systems2. Web-based Internet Information and Applications3. Video and Multimedia Products4. Telecommunications Products5. Self-contained, Closed Products6. Desktop and Portable Computers
Software Applications and Operating Systems
Windows Mac OS Linux MeetingMaker MS Office Photo Shop Instructional Software Lab Packs w/ Texts
Web-based Internet Information and Applications
TouchNet Online Courses Campus Sites Faculty Sites Adobe PDF’s Streaming
Audio/Video Library Catalog
Video and Multimedia Products
Television VCR DVD Player Video Camera CD & DVD Media
Telecommunications Products
Telephones Fax Machines
Self-contained, Closed Products
Copiers Stamp Machines Scales Calculators Printers Scanners
Desktop and Portable Computers
Computers Hand-held computers
Functional Performance Criteria
This section provides 6 functional performance criteria for overall product evaluation and for technologies or components for which there is no specific requirement under other sections.
For example, At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user vision shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided.
An explanation of the technology acquisition process
Identify your needs and general product specifications, then perform market research to determine availability of compliant products
Many steps are part of our existing process
508 Purchase Flowchart
What is Market Research?
Collecting and analyzing information about capabilities within the marketplace to satisfy EIT needs
Method for identifying products that meet Section 508 requirements
Questions for Market Research
How does the product/vendor meet: Business requirements Applicable Section 508 standards Cost of product
Questions for Market Research(continued)
What if you ask the questions and discover your 508 requirements cannot be met? Equivalent Facilitation Alternative means of providing access where
deficient
Informal Market Survey Techniques
Phone calls to experts Internet searches
Buy Accessible on www.section508.gov Review of similar procurements by other
departments Catalogs, product literature
Is your procurement exempt?
Micro-Purchase (until October, 2004) Back Room/Office Fundamental Alteration Undue Burden?
NOTE: Even if exception applies you must still provide alternative access.
Commercial Non-Availability
If no item meets customer requirements and technical standards, can purchase non-accessible EIT.
Must document market research and findings in contract file to justify decision.
Buy Accessible database on Section 508 web site
What is a VPAT?
Voluntary Product Accessibility Template Information on how a product or service conforms to
the Section 508 Access Board standards. Completed by the vendor. Optionally, posted on their vendor site and linked to
Buy Accessible. Vendors are not required to complete a VPAT Now Required for our District bid process. http://www.itic.org/reports/508/Sec508.html
Using the VPAT
Enables requestors to compare products. Conducting Buy Accessible searches
Identify and review sections of the VPAT that apply. Outside of Buy Accessible, a VPAT can be:
Requested as part of market research, procurement, RFP, etc.
Requested in a procurement (becomes mandatory).
Using the VPAT(continued)
Best practices and a VPAT template:www.itic.org
Good and Bad VPAT Examples
Benefits of VPATs
Uniform tool for identifying features meeting Section 508 standards.
Supports making preliminary assessments regarding availability of commercial EIT products and services.
Documenting Results
You must document the results of your market research (Examples at www.section508.gov)
Include in the market research documentation copies of any VPATs used
Documentation becomes part of purchase request file
Purchasing will contact requestor and put requisition on hold if no EITD form received
Small Group Exercise
Use examples and walk through steps Determine a market research approach
Informal techniques to use Formal techniques to use Questions to be asked What categories of the VPAT to search Other issues or considerations
District Technical Expertise
Assistive Technology Centers De Anza – Wayne Chenoweth
chenowethwayne@deanze.edu 408-864-5816 Foothill – Steve Sum
sumsteven@foothill.edu 650-949-7673 Users of Assistive Technology Disability Program Managers ETAC 508 Committee
http://ets.fhda.edu/508
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