ACCESS - Accessible Technology Initiative

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Forms and Standards

SF State’s Section 508 E&IT Product Requisition Support Form

This form is to be used by a Campus Requester when processing Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT) purchases that are at or above the current $15,000 Accessibility Technology Initiative (ATI) threshold.  In upcoming fiscal years, the ATI procurement threshold will be lowered to $2,500. The ATI aims to have all E&IT procurements be reviewed for 508 compliance by 2012. This product requisition form serves as a Section 508 checklist by identification of the E&IT product technical standard, its level of 508 compliance, and as a request for a 508 exemption if one is warranted.
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SF State Procurement Process Guide

The Procurement Work Group has developed a workflow process guide to assist Campus Requestors and E&IT TA’s with the eight basic stages and requirements within the E&IT procurement process. This is a useful one-page representation of what is required to process an E&IT procurement.


Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template Standards

San Francisco State University applies standards based on Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Rehabilitation Act. Section 508 includes a set of accessibility standards for six categories of E&IT, including websites and web applications, hardware, software, telecommunications, multimedia, and self-contained closed products like copiers, fax machines, kiosks, etc. SF State must incorporate Section 508 standards as we develop or acquire new E&IT resources. You can read brief descriptions of each standard and the supporting resources.

Section 508 Standards.


Defining an Accessible Product

The following Section 508.gov paper-tool provides formal and common language descriptions of each criteria within a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). In addition, example of assistive technology and its application are contained in this 508 Quick Reference Guide: Accessibility Forum’s

Quick Reference Guide to Section 508  (.doc, pp. 5-30)
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CSU ATI Appendix C

Appendix C contains useful steps and language for requesting a VPAT from a vendor. 

CSU Guide to Completing the Voluntary Product Evaluation Template (VPAT)
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E&IT Request for Purchase Letter

This form letter has been used successfully to inform vendors of the ATI, direct them to examples of completed VPATs, and how they may complete a VPAT.  We recommend reviewing the structure of the letter and rewriting it with your own voice.

VPAT Request Letter

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