How do Universities Receiving Federal Grants Use VPAT Templates?
Like most universities that conduct medical or STEM research, the University of Alabama at Birmingham receives millions of dollars in federal research funding every year. However, this funding comes with certain stipulations, such as compliance with accessibility requirements. As such, universities need to document the steps they take to ensure accessibility.
The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT template) is one such tool universities use to assess and promote accessibility within these institutions. This article explores the significance of accessibility requirements and the role of VPAT templates in achieving inclusivity in higher education.
Accessibility requirements for universities that receive federal grants
Universities that receive federal grants are obligated to meet certain accessibility requirements to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and research. These requirements are based on the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability, while the ADA mandates equal access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Under these laws, universities must provide students, faculty, and staff with disabilities equal access to technology, physical spaces, and information. This includes a wide range of considerations, including campus infrastructure, digital platforms, course materials, assistive technologies, and communication methods. Compliance with these requirements not only fosters inclusivity but also reduces legal liability and enhances the overall experience for individuals with disabilities.
The role of VPAT templates in documenting accessibility
To effectively evaluate the accessibility of technology products and services, federal agencies and universities that receive grants from them rely on the use of VPAT templates. The VPAT template, developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), provides a standardized format for assessing the accessibility of various products and services. It offers a comprehensive overview of the product's conformance to recognized accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
For federal agencies, VPAT templates play a crucial role in their decision-making processes. When federal agencies are evaluating institutions that will receive research or study grants, they can request universities to submit a VPAT template. The VPAT template enables these bodies to assess the accessibility infrastructure of the institutions, ensuring that they meet their specific accessibility requirements.
VPAT templates serve as tangible evidence of a university's commitment to ensuring accessibility in its technological infrastructure and software, including its websites and course material. By maintaining a record of vendors’ VPAT templates for procured products and services, universities can demonstrate their compliance with accessibility standards during audits or reviews.
Furthermore, VPAT templates facilitate collaboration between universities and vendors in improving the accessibility of technology products. If a vendor's VPAT indicates areas of non-compliance, universities can engage with the vendor to address these issues and request changes to their products. This collaboration encourages vendors to prioritize accessibility in their product development process, ultimately benefiting not just the university but also other customers who may have similar accessibility requirements.
VPAT templates and university-wide accessibility
Accessibility requirements for universities that receive federal grants are instrumental in promoting inclusive education and research opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Compliance with these requirements is essential for universities to provide accessible environments, course materials, and technology. The use of VPAT templates significantly aids universities in evaluating the accessibility of technology products and services, ensuring they meet the necessary standards.
By leveraging VPAT templates, universities can make informed procurement decisions, demonstrate their commitment to accessibility, and foster collaboration with federal government agencies in improving accessibility in their infrastructure and research outputs. Through these efforts, universities can create an inclusive and accessible environment for the entire academic community.