What is 'accessible technology procurement'?
Accessible technology procurement is the process of reviewing digital software, applications, and other products to make sure that they meet accessibility requirements before they are purchased.
These accessibility requirements are outlined in the ADA Title II Updates and the UC IT Accessibility Policy
What is required for accessible technology procurement?
All technology used at UC Berkeley must meet WCAG 2.1 AA.
This includes:
- 3rd party software and applications, either purchased or contracted.
- Technology developed at UC Berkeley.
- Technology developed at the UC Office of the President or other University of California campuses.
If an IT vendor is doing business with UC Berkeley, they should have an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) or a completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) for their digital product.
Important: An ACR or VPAT must:
- Have been completed in the past 12-18 months.
- Follow all of the instructions listed in the template.
What is an ACR? What is a VPAT?
- A VPAT is a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. This is the blank template vendors can use to show what accessibility criteria their product meets.
- An ACR is an Accessibility Conformance Report. This is the product of a VPAT being filled out and completed by a vendor.
Though these two documents are different, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably by vendors.
Learn more about ACRs and VPATs - Section508.org
Our team can help you!
We can help you check and confirm that products meet accessibility requirements.
Please complete the Accessible Technology Procurement Intake Form to get started.
Have questions?
Let us know! Please reach out to us at: itap-review@berkeley.edu