Accessibility Documentation
Procurement Process Documentation Needs
Accessibility documentation is essential during the procurement process because it ensures that products and services meet legal accessibility requirements and are usable by individuals with disabilities. Documents like Accessibility Statements & Roadmaps, VPATs, ACRs, and HECVATs help organizations make informed decisions, promote inclusivity, reduce legal risk, and align with institutional accessibility policies.
Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a standardized document that evaluates how accessible a proposed Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) product—such as hardware, software, or online services—is for individuals with visual, auditory, or motor impairments. Developed by the Information Technology Industry Council in collaboration with the federal government, the VPAT supports compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. As part of its procurement and contracting process for EIT acquisitions, Cerritos College must also adhere to California Government Code Section 11135(d)(3).
Review the ITI Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (ITI VPAT®)
Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)
An Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is a document that outlines how well a product or service—such as software, hardware, or digital platforms—meets established accessibility standards like WCAG and Section 508. Based on a completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), the ACR details which accessibility requirements are fully, partially, or not met. It is commonly used by government agencies, educational institutions, and other organizations during procurement to ensure technology is accessible to individuals with disabilities, and it supports compliance with federal and state accessibility laws, including Section 508 and California Government Code Section 11135.
LEARN ABOUT the ACCESSIBILITY CONFORMANCE REPORT (ACR)
Accessibility Statements
An accessibility statement is a public-facing document that explains an organization's commitment to digital accessibility and provides information about the accessibility of a specific website, application, or digital content.
Key Components Typically Include:
- A declaration of conformance with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 or Section 508).
- A description of the accessibility features implemented.
- Any known limitations or issues that users might encounter.
- Contact information for users to report accessibility barriers or request alternative formats.
- A summary of ongoing efforts to improve accessibility.
An accessibility statement helps build trust and transparency, shows legal compliance, and supports inclusive access by letting users know what to expect and how to get help if needed.
Review the cerritos college accessibility statement
Accessibility Roadmaps
An accessibility roadmap is a strategic plan that outlines the steps an organization will take to improve and maintain the accessibility of its digital products, services, or environments over time. It typically includes goals, timelines, priorities, resources, and responsibilities focused on achieving compliance with accessibility standards (like WCAG) and enhancing the user experience for people with disabilities. The roadmap helps guide ongoing efforts, track progress, and ensure that accessibility remains a key part of the organization’s development and operations.
how to develop an accessibility roadmap
Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit (HECVAT)
The HECVAT stands for Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit. It’s a standardized questionnaire used by colleges and universities to assess the security and privacy practices of third-party vendors, especially those providing cloud-based services or software. The HECVAT helps institutions evaluate whether a vendor meets their cybersecurity and data protection requirements, making the procurement process more consistent and thorough. The HECVAT document is often in a spreadsheet format.