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

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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

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Why is this process necessary?

• Ensures technology is accessible to all
• Federal State law compliance
• Motivates vendors

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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What are the Section 508 Technical Standards that
Apply?

1. Software Applications and Operating Systems
2. Web-based Internet Information and Applications
3. Video and Multimedia Products
4. Telecommunications Products
5. Self-contained, Closed Products
6. Desktop and Portable Computers

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Software Applications and Operating Systems

• Windows
• Mac OS
• Linux
• MeetingMaker
• MS Office
• Photo Shop
• Instructional Software
• Lab Packs included w/ Textbooks

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Web-based Internet Information and Applications

• TouchNet
• Online Courses
• Campus Sites
• Faculty Sites
• Adobe PDFs
• Streaming Audio/Video
• Library Catalog

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Video and Multimedia Products

• Television
• VCR
• DVD Player
• Video Camera
• CD DVD Media

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Telecommunications Products

• Telephones
• Fax Machines

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Self-contained, Closed Products

• Copiers
• Stamp Machines
• Scales
• Calculators
• Printers
• Scanners

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Desktop and Portable Computers

• Computers
• Hand-held computers

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Brief history of what has been done to this point

• ETAC ad hoc committee
• Policy formation
• Purchasing
• Web Standards
• Consulting on individual basis

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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

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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

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508 Purchase Flowchart
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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

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Questions for Market Research

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

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Informal Market Survey Techniques

• Phone calls to experts
• Review of similar procurements by other
  departments
• Catalogs, product literature
• Vendor website searches

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Buy Accessible database on BuyAccessible.gov
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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

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VPAT Example

• http//www.adobe.com/enterprise/accessibility/sect
  ion508.html

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Is your procurement exempt?

• Occasional monitoring maintenance?
• Fundamental Alteration?
• Undue Burden?

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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.

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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

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District Technical Expertise

• Assistive Technology Centers
• De Anza Wayne Chenowethchenowethwayne_at_deanze.ed
  u 408-864-5816
• Foothill Steve Sumsumsteven_at_foothill.edu
  650-949-7673
• 508 website http//ets.fhda.edu/508