We are committed to ensuring everyone’s access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The university developed a Digital Accessibility of Communications and Information Technology policy and a procedure for evaluating the accessibility of ICT in addition to the UM System’s Information Technology and Telecommunications Purchases. Purchased ICT should adhere to the state and federal accessibility laws and standards. For more information, visit Accessibility Laws & Policies.
What is Information and Communication Technology (ICT)?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as revised in 2017, defines information and communication technology (ICT) 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 Considerations
All decision-makers involved in acquiring technology solutions at MU must prioritize accessibility. When evaluating these solutions, it is crucial to consider accessibility, as this can streamline the compliance process.
Ensuring equal access to the vendor is paramount when evaluating the accessibility of third-party products before purchase. The baseline questions offered below provide a starting point for engaging vendors in discussions, allowing you to gather essential information on their products’ accessibility features and compliance standards.
- Can you demonstrate how to use your product without a mouse?
- Who assesses your products for accessibility? (Internal, third-party, etc.)
- Have any people with disabilities tested your product?
- Does your product comply with Section 508 (e.g., Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 level AA or higher)?
- Can you provide a product Accessibility Conformance Report, which is a completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)?
- Accessibility Conformance Reports are completed VPATs that help buyers of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) understand a product’s level of accessibility compliance, compare compliance with similar products, and make informed decisions before purchasing a product.
- Do you have a designated accessibility representative to address issues or questions about accessibility issues?
- How does your company integrate accessibility into the design and development of your products?
- Do you have a resolution process for accessibility issues?
- How often are your products assessed for accessibility compliance?
- Do you have an Accessibility Roadmap for your products that do not meet compliance?
If you have questions or need help with this process, please reach out to IT Compliance at itcompliance@missouri.edu.
IT Compliance
The Division of IT employs IT Compliance Guidelines to assess technology, including accessibility compliance. Suppliers, vendors, and contractors must provide accessible ICT in accordance with established accessibility standards. They may be requested to furnish the following accessibility documentation, which could subsequently be incorporated into the final legal agreement.
What is a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template® (VPAT)?
A VPAT is a standardized document used to describe how an information and communication technology (ICT) product such as software, web applications, mobile apps, hardware, electronic content, and support documentation conforms to accessibility requirements. When a VPAT is completed, it is referred to as an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
Under the ADA Title II digital accessibility requirements issued by the U.S. Department of Justice, state and local governments are responsible for ensuring their websites, applications, and digital services meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Vendors typically document how their products align with these standards through an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), which is based on a VPAT and helps institutions assess accessibility, compliance, and potential risk when selecting or using digital products.
A VPAT should be completed by someone with expertise in digital accessibility, such as an in‑house accessibility specialist or a qualified third‑party accessibility auditor, and should be based on documented accessibility testing. The VPAT template is maintained by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) and is available on the ITI website, along with VPAT training modules and guidance to support accurate and consistent reporting.
What is a Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit (HECVAT)?
A HECVAT is a standardized questionnaire designed to evaluate the security, privacy, and compliance posture of technology vendors serving higher education institutions. It helps universities assess risks related to data protection, cloud services, and regulatory compliance before purchasing or implementing a product.
The HECVAT ensures that vendors meet security requirements and protect sensitive information such as student records and institutional data. Completing a HECVAT typically involves someone familiar with information security within your company, such as a IT security officer or a reputable third-party IT security auditor.
You can download the HECVAT templates from the Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit page on the EDUCAUSE website. EDUCAUSE also provides guidance and resources for completing the HECVAT, including best practices for risk assessment.
A general security statement does not replace our requirement for a completed HECVAT, and similarly, a HECVAT does not replace the requirement of obtaining a completed VPAT (ACR) for digital accessibility compliance.
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.
If you have questions or need help with this process, please reach out to IT Compliance at itcompliance@missouri.edu.