Section 5: Vendor Procurement Language Template
Accessibility Requirements
- Outline legal requirement: [Organization’s Name] requires digital materials and technologies to be accessible to students and employees with disabilities, as mandated by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and aligned with the accessibility standards of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. § 794d), and its implementing regulations (36 C.F.R. § 1194).
- Outline why this is different than before: The Revised Section 508 incorporates the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (“WCAG”) by reference. Web and non-web content (including websites and documents) must conform to version 2.1 of WCAG at level AA to meet Section 508 requirements.
- Outline expectations: The Vendor agrees that all digital materials and technologies being [adopted/purchased] under this agreement will be brought to this level of compliance no later than April of 2026 in compliance with federal law.
- Outline what is happening in the meantime: Until compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA is met, the Vendor shall implement or complete the following to ensure accessibility to users: [Insert vendor accessibility customer service plan]
- Outline expected paperwork: Vendor is expected to deliver a completed ACR by [date]. ACR notes should detail how each area of the standard is supported/not supported and how it was tested. Testing and ACRs completed by third parties using both manual and automated testing is preferable. If the ACR does not state the product is fully WCAG 2.1 AA compliant, a document outlining the vendors plan to reach this state by April 24, 2026 is also required.
