I am in charge of purchasing technology for my school. What should I look for when purchasing technology to ensure accessibility?

There are some things that you can do to determine if the technology you plan to purchase is accessible. Begin with asking the vendor some basic questions about accessibility of the product. Below is a list of questions about accessible technology the vendor should address:

1. Can the product be used without a mouse?
   If the product is software based, or runs a software component, the vendor should be aware that not all technology users can operate a standard mouse, and keyboard-only access to the product should be available.
   
   
2. Can the product be used by visually impaired users?
   If the answer is yes, determine under what circumstances it can be used. The vendor should provide information on how the device or software can provide functionality to visually impaired users, either directly or by augmentive measures.
   
   
3. Are the technology system's fonts, display colors and contrast user-adjustable?
   By providing access to settings in a device or software, user's needs and preferences can be met with relative ease, and not require external devices or measures.
   
   
4. Are the controls and layout easy and simple to understand, clearly labeled, and the controls easy to reach?
   The technology (software or hardware) should offer controls and displays that are non-cluttered, and involve processes that are not overly cumbersome or complicated. This includes peripherals, such as printers, copiers, portable computers, and other devices.
   
   
5. Does the device or software interfere with assistive technology or any other accessibility features?
   The vendor should provide a statement regarding any known issues the Technology may cause to assistive technology or other adaptive equipment when used in conjunction.

You may also ask the vendor for a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), which consists of a table of accessibility checkpoints to correspond with the accessibility standards laid out by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Any vendor who has purveyed technology to the Federal government is required to submit a VPAT as a statement of accessibility, and can be used as a tool for evaluation by educational entities.