The Texas A&M University System makes certain all programs, services and activities are accessible for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. We remove accessibility barriers by selecting accessible software and hardware, following Subchapter M, Chapter 2054, Government Code, Title 1 of Texas Administrative Code Chapters 206 and 213, and ADA Title II. These laws set the standards for digital accessibility.
Digital Information Resources
Digital information resources in the A&M System include any digital content, resources or services acquired, developed, changed or distributed in support of education, research and outreach. These digital information resources include:
- Software applications and operating systems
- Web-based information and applications
- Telecommunication products (e.g., phone systems, voice mail systems)
- Video and multimedia products (e.g., videos, TVs, digital displays)
- Self-contained, closed products (e.g., printers, kiosks)
- Desktop and portable computers
Procuring Accessible Digital Information Resources
We prioritize procuring accessible digital information resources to meet the needs of A&M System members. This applies to all free or paid digital resources created, modified or distributed. It also includes all contracts, requests for proposals (RFPs) and related documents.
A thorough accessibility review is required during the procurement process. Follow these steps when purchasing digital information resources:
- Check the list of A&M System contracts in place before starting the purchase process.
- Consider multiple digital information resources and select the most accessible product that meets your business needs.
- For all digital information resources being purchased:
- Request the product’s Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) and accessibility roadmap from the vendor or download these documents from the vendor’s website.
- If the vendor does not have an ACR, provide them with a blank VPAT to complete, available on the ITI website. We recommend the VPAT 2.5 INT version.
- Request assistance from accessibility experts or IT personnel to ensure the product meets accessibility standards.
- If the product does not fully comply with accessibility standards, you may need to submit an accessibility exception. Follow your member processes and remember that leadership approval is required before purchasing the resource.
For help or more information on procuring accessible products, contact your member’s Digital Accessibility Officer.