At the University of Rochester, we are committed to procuring accessible digital products and services. Ensuring accessibility is key\u2014not only for the digital assets we create, but also for those we acquire from vendors.<\/p>\n
Digital accessibility means that websites, web applications, and other digital resources must be usable by everyone. This includes individuals with disabilities or those who use assistive technologies like screen readers, adaptive keyboards, or speech-to-text software.<\/p>\n
Many accessible design practices end up benefiting everyone, regardless of their abilities. Ensuring our digital products and services are accessible is essential for effective communication with all our users.<\/p>\n
Prioritizing accessibility ensures:<\/p>\n
Our Digital Accessibility Policy<\/a> applies to many digital assets, including digital products and services from suppliers. Purchasers must ensure that suppliers creating, hosting, or managing digital products comply with our accessibility requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n A supplier\u2019s maturity in accessibility reflects their commitment to inclusivity. A mature program shows the supplier:<\/p>\n Assess a supplier\u2019s maturity by asking relevant questions. Refer to our Supplier Accessibility Assessment Questions<\/a> (Word document, sign-in required) for guidance.<\/p>\n Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates<\/a> (VPATs) and Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) provide information on product accessibility. Note that:<\/p>\n When reviewing VPATs, check for characteristics of a reliable ACR\/VPAT<\/a>, and consult our digital accessibility team<\/a> for verification, if needed.<\/p>\n If a supplier’s product does not meet accessibility standards, request an exception by completing the Digital Accessibility Exception Request<\/a>. This request should include:<\/p>\n The exception process helps document cases and provides the University with valuable data on efforts to improve digital accessibility.<\/p>\n An EEAAP ensures that individuals with disabilities have equivalent access to information and services. Key elements include:<\/p>\n The department or unit using the technology is responsible for developing and maintaining the EEAAP.<\/p>\n The University of Rochester\u2019s digital accessibility team<\/a> \u00a0within University Communications and Marketing offers:<\/p>\n For support, contact us at digitalaccessibility@rochester.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n We value your feedback on accessibility experiences with our suppliers. Share insights on how well our suppliers meet accessibility standards to help us identify areas for improvement. Send your feedback via to digitalaccessibility@rochester.edu<\/a> or use our intake form<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" At the University of Rochester, we are committed to procuring accessible digital products and services. Ensuring accessibility is key\u2014not only for the digital assets we create, but also for those…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":76,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/one-column.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5546","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nSteps to buying accessible digital products<\/h2>\n
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Evaluating supplier\u2019s accessibility maturity<\/h2>\n
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Evaluating VPATs or ACRs<\/h2>\n
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Requesting exceptions to the Digital Accessibility Policy<\/h2>\n
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Creating an Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan (EEAAP)<\/h2>\n
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Services to support accessible procurement<\/h2>\n
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Supplier’s accessibility feedback<\/h2>\n