Accessibility Requirements for Information Technology (IT) Acquisition
Overview:
Preventing accessibility barriers to persons with disabilities is easier than fixing the barriers later. Our goal is to start with accessible IT hardware and software. In general:
- For acquisitions that trigger sealed bid (Request for Proposal, or RFP) processes, Strategic Procurement’s RFP template includes standard Accessibility questions. During the RFP process, bidder’s accessibility responses are evaluated by University of Maine System Information Technology (UMS:IT).
- Strategic Procurement’s standard contract templates (External Site) include standard Accessibility language. Non-standard contracts must be approved.
- The University requires IT products, services and materials to comply with the accessibility standards of WCAG 2.1 Level A & AA (External Site) & Web ARIA 1.1 (External Site) or have an Americans with Disabilities Act Office-approved Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan.
Digital Technology Accessibility Acquisition Process
Visit the Information Technology knowledge base (External Site) to learn more about the digital technology accessibility acquisition process.
Get Help Now
Questions? Please contact the IT Accessibility Coordinator: AccessibleIT@maine.edu