Building Our Virtual Campus with Universal Design in Mind

1. Building Our Virtual Campus with Universal Design in Mind All resources are available here: http://ets.fhda.edu/508

2. 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

3. Why is this process necessary? • Ensures technology is accessible to all • Federal & State law compliance • Motivates vendors

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. What are the Section 508 Technical Standards that Apply? • Software Applications and Operating Systems • Web-based Internet Information and Applications • Video and Multimedia Products • Telecommunications Products • Self-contained, Closed Products • Desktop and Portable Computers

9. Software Applications and Operating Systems • Windows • Mac OS • Linux • MeetingMaker • MS Office • Photo Shop • Instructional Software • Lab Packs included w/ Textbooks

10. Web-based Internet Information and Applications • TouchNet • Online Courses • Campus Sites • Faculty Sites • Adobe PDF’s • Streaming Audio/Video • Library Catalog

11. Video and Multimedia Products • Television • VCR • DVD Player • Video Camera • CD & DVD Media

12. Telecommunications Products • Telephones • Fax Machines

13. Self-contained, Closed Products • Copiers • Stamp Machines • Scales • Calculators • Printers • Scanners

14. Desktop and Portable Computers • Computers • Hand-held computers

15. Brief history of what has been done to this point • ETAC ad hoc committee • Policy formation • Purchasing • Web Standards • Consulting on individual basis

16. 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

17. 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

18. 508 Purchase Flowchart

19. 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

20. Questions for Market Research • How does the product/vendor meet: • Your requirements • Applicable Section 508 standards • Cost of product

21. Informal Market Survey Techniques • Phone calls to experts • Review of similar procurements by other departments • Catalogs, product literature • Vendor website searches

22. Buy Accessible database on BuyAccessible.gov

23. 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

24. VPAT Example • http://www.adobe.com/enterprise/accessibility/section508.html

25. Is your procurement exempt? • Occasional monitoring & maintenance? • Fundamental Alteration? • Undue Burden?

26. 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.

27. 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

28. District Technical Expertise • Assistive Technology Centers • De Anza – Wayne Chenowethchenowethwayne@deanze.edu 408-864-5816 • Foothill – Steve Sumsumsteven@foothill.edu 650-949-7673 • 508 websitehttp://ets.fhda.edu/508