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