Introduction
This standard defines the applicable guidelines, training, and support resources associated with procuring and implementing accessible Digital Resources on behalf of Portland State University (PSU).
Purpose and Applicability
PSU’s Digital Accessibility Policy establishes the requirement for procuring and implementing accessible Digital Resources, in accordance with industry guidelines and federal law. This standard defines the specific digital accessibility guidelines and processes to which PSU Units must be accountable, per the Digital Accessibility Policy.
Terms and Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Accessibility Documentation | Accessibility Documentation refers to any documentation that establishes a vendor’s compliance and/or commitment to the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Documentation may include—but is not limited to—a completed: |
| Digital Resources | Digital Resources refers to any electronic—HTML or non-HTML—resources that are designed, managed, purchased, or implemented on behalf of PSU. Digital Resources may include, but are not limited to: - audiovisual media
- cloud applications
- electronic documents
- mobile applications
- social media
- software applications
- web content
|
| PSU Unit | PSU Unit refers to any department, unit, organization, or program whose employees procure or implement Digital Resources on behalf of PSU. |
Standards and Procedures
All PSU Units are responsible for engaging with vendors to ensure that any Digital Resources purchased or implemented on behalf of PSU are accessible in accordance with WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA Success Criteria.
When Digital Resources are under consideration for procurement, PSU Units should coordinate with Contracting and Procurement Services (CAPS), who will instruct them to submit a request for an IT Solution and Service Contract Review in order to ascertain levels of both accessibility and security risk.
PSU Unit Responsibilities
PSU Units are responsible for considering the accessibility of third-party products during the exploration, research and evaluation phases and subsequently working with the vendor—in consultation with OIT—to validate product accessibility during the procurement phase.
The Accessible Digital Procurement Checklist can guide PSU Units through each phase of the procurement, implementation, and maintenance of a third party digital resource:
- Initial Engagement and Risk Assessment
- Vendor Accountability and Documentation
- Mitigation and Continuity Planning
- Ongoing Accessibility Compliance
Related Policies, Procedures, and Information
Point of Contact
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this standard, please contact Albert Roberson, PSU’s Deputy Chief Executive of Equity and Compliance, at aroberso@pdx.edu.