Building Our Virtual Campus with Universal Design in Mind

All resources are available here: http://ets.fhda.edu/508

Learning Objectives

Overview of the district Section 508 policy Introduce Section 508 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 as

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

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 included

w/ Textbooks

                                                         

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

Brief history of what has been done to this point

ETAC ad hoc committee

Policy formation

Purchasing

Web Standards

Consulting on individual basis

FHDA District Section 508 Policy Document has 3 sections

Summary of legal aspects Detailed Administrative Procedures

Explanation of steps Web accessibility Competitive quotes & bids

EIT Determination Form

Roles and Responsibilities of Requestors - manager, faculty, staff

Coordinate with manager to draft specifications

Identify which Section 508 provisions apply Coordinate with the manager to perform and

document market research Document exceptions that may apply Submit Purchase Requisition after complying

with policy steps

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 conform to Section 508 standards

Questions for Market Research

How does the product/vendor meet: Your requirements Applicable Section 508 standards Cost of product

Informal Market Survey Techniques

Phone calls to experts Review of similar procurements by other

departments Catalogs, product literature Vendor website searches

Buy Accessible database on BuyAccessible.gov

What is a VPAT?

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template Information on how a product or service

conforms to the Section 508 standards Completed by the vendor though not required Posted on their site and may be linked to Buy

Accessible

VPAT Example

http://www.adobe.com/enterprise/accessibility/section508.html

Is your procurement exempt?

Occasional monitoring & maintenance? Fundamental Alteration? Undue Burden?

Commercial Non-Availability

If no item meets customer requirements and technical standards, can purchase non-accessible EIT

Must document market research and findings on the EIT Determination Form to justify your decision

Provide alternative means of access where deficient, For example, online video would still need captioning.

Documenting Results

Include in the market research documentation copies of any VPATs used

Documentation becomes part of purchase request file

When implemented, Purchasing will contact requestor and put requisition on hold if no EIT Determination Form received

District Technical Expertise

Assistive Technology Centers De Anza – Wayne Chenoweth

chenowethwayne@deanze.edu 408-864-5816

Foothill – Steve Sumsumsteven@foothill.edu 650-949-7673

508 websitehttp://ets.fhda.edu/508