Overview
All information and communication technology (ICT) products and services from third-party vendors purchased or used at the University of Oregon must be accessible to people with disabilities.
Including:
- Web-based services
- Canvas integrated tools
- Software
- Multimedia
- Kiosks
- Digital document creation
- Web development
- Hardware
- and more.
Because an accessibility review can take a period of weeks to months, it is critical for UO community members to start the procurement process early.
Procurements processed through Purchasing and Contracting Services (PCS) follow their accessibility review process before the product is purchased or the contract is signed. Products that don't go through PCS (including free or open-source products) can be submitted directly for review.
The Procurement Accessibility Guide/FAQ provides an overview of how and why accessibility is included in procurement and explains what you need to do.
Timelines
Accessibility reviews can take a period of weeks to months. It may take vendors four or more weeks to provide the accessibility information that is required to complete the procurement process. Longer still, if a remediation plan is needed.
Process
Because it can take weeks or months for a review to be completed, it is critical for UO community members to start the procurement process early. Whenever possible, include accessibility in the early stages of the procurement process, for example, when drafting an RFP or when exploring which product to purchase. Leaving accessibility until the end of the procurement process makes it more likely that the purchase will be delayed. To avoid issues, submit a Request for Digital Accessibility Procurement Review before you start working with PCS (the earlier, the better).
For any procurement including a contract or agreement, appropriate language regarding accessibility must be included. For procurements going through PCS, this is already integrated into the process.
In some qualifying circumstances, a product or service that is not fully accessible may be procured. In those cases, the department responsible for ensuring accommodations or alternative means of access are available to all users with disabilities. An accessibility plan should be communicated with users at the same time that the product is made available to users.
To start the process:
More Information