Accessibility of Instructional Platforms and Technologies

Instructors often opt to use third party products, such as Pearson’s MyLab, clickers, remote proctoring tools, for instructional purposes. When using these instructional materials, it is the University’s responsibility, not the vendor’s, to ensure that they are accessible. Please follow the recommendations below to ensure that these products will be accessible to your students:

• Ensure that Instructional websites, on-line learning environments, and educational materials are accessible to students with vision, hearing, or speech disabilities.
• Request information about the accessibility of a product, program, or service from the sales representative.
• Ask if the product is compliant with ADA regulations, current Web Consortium Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA standards for web and software accessibility, and/or Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Ask if the company has an accessibility guarantee or provides a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) that the UofM can review? Please note that if the VPAT or statement of accessibility has section labeled as “Supports with Exceptions” or “Not supported,” then the product is not fully accessible.
• Ask if the company will provide specific instructions for users regarding how to use the product with assistive technology or use the built in accessibility tools.
• If the [product] is not compliant with ADA and Section 508 regulations, ask the following questions:
  • Is there a work-around available to users/participants?
  • Will the company work with WSU to find a creative solution for accessibility?
  • Will the company ensure that product meets accessibility requirements?