Description
IT provides electronic and information technology (EIT) review to help departments meet requirements of UM's Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility policy. In particular, Accessible Technology Services provides software and hardware review as part of the procurement process along with a variety of other reviews to ensure that documents, instructional materials, media, software, hardware, computing systems and websites meet accessibility requirements.Software includes desktop applications, mobile applications, web applications and Moodle (LTI) integrations for online publisher content.
Please note: If you are requesting a review of a Moodle/LTI integration, please go to the Accessibility Review Request for Moodle/LTI Integrations service page to review the process and request that specific service.
Details
EIT accessibility is currently defined by two standards – Section 508 for most categories and Section 508 plus WCAG 2.0 AA or WCAG 2.1 AA for websites and programs. The software industry has standardized VPATs (Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates), which allow vendors to list their products accessibility according to each section of relevant 508 standards. VPATs are obtained from and filled out by the software vendors.
The 508 Refresh expanded use of the WCAG 2.0 AA and WCAG 2.1 AA standards to include non-web information and communication technologies.
What you can expect
- Both standard hardware and software utilized by 1 or 2 people is usually passed quickly through the process.
- EIT submitted for review with a VPAT is usually processed within five to seven business days. However, working with vendors and/or testing may require additional time, as well as workload considerations. If possible, please submit review forms four to six weeks in advance of the EIT contract start date.
- EIT submitted without a VPAT is processed as quickly as possible although there may be delays related to obtaining sufficient information for review.
- Even if you are just considering an EIT purchase, we encourage you to submit a review form as soon as possible. This allows for more time for the review process and also can inform you of the particular software product's accessibility requirements..
How to Request
Please click "Request Service" at the right had side of the screen.
Charge
No charge
Eligibility
UM Faculty, Staff and Students
Availability
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., except for UM holidays
Support
Brenda Miller, Alternative Formats Specialist, Brenda.miller@mso.umt.edu
Policy
The University of Montana provides equal opportunity to its educational and administrative services, programs, and activities in accordance with federal and state law. This policy extends to the University’s electronic and information technologies and applies to their procurement, development, implementation and ongoing maintenance.
Ensuring equal and effective electronic and information technology access is the responsibility of all University administrators, faculty, and staff.
This is in accordance with federal and state laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act as amended, and Title 18, Chapter 5, Part 603, and Title 18-5-604 and 49 of the Montana Code Annotated
Service Owner
Accessible Technology Services