5 Tips for Ensuring Accessibility in Vendor Contracts

As an accessibility specialist, you know it’s essential for people with disabilities to have the same opportunities as everyone else. That's why procurement looks to your expertise when contracting outside vendors - so that accessibility is a priority! Here are five helpful tips for making sure nothing gets overlooked:

Tip 1: Make Accessibility a Requirement in Your RFP or RFI

When issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Information (RFI) to potential vendors, be sure to include a section on accessibility. This will outline your company's commitment to accessibility and the specific requirements vendors must meet to be considered for the contract. Some examples of these requirements include compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the US and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Canada, as well as standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0/2.1. You'll also want to make sure websites, web applications, mobile apps, and digital documents are compatible with assistive technologies.

Tip 2: Review the Vendor's Accessibility Policy and Practices

Before entering into a contract with a vendor, it's important to review their accessibility policy and practices to ensure they align with your company's standards. Start by reviewing their website and any other materials they provide to see if they're accessible to people with disabilities. You may also want to look for reports or documentation about their accessibility efforts, like a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). Don't be afraid to ask the vendor questions about their accessibility practices, such as their process for designing and developing accessible products and services, and how they test and verify accessibility. This will give you a better understanding of their commitment to accessibility and whether they have the necessary skills and resources to meet your company's standards.

Tip 3: Include Accessibility Provisions in the Contract

Once you've found a vendor that meets your accessibility requirements, be sure to include provisions in the contract outlining your expectations for accessibility. These provisions should specify the steps the vendor will take to ensure their products and services are accessible, as well as any penalties for non-compliance. You may also want to require the vendor to provide a VPAT supporting their claims of accessibility.

Tip 4: Monitor the Vendor's Compliance with Accessibility Standards

Throughout the contract, it's important to regularly monitor the vendor's compliance with accessibility standards. This could involve conducting audits or reviews to ensure they're meeting their obligations under the contract.

Tip 5: Work with the Vendor to Address Any Accessibility Issues

If you identify any accessibility issues with the vendor's products or services, it's important to work with them to address these issues as soon as possible. This could involve providing additional training or resources to the vendor, or working together to develop a plan for improving accessibility.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that accessibility is a top priority when contracting with outside vendors and that your company provides products and services that are accessible to all customers, regardless of their abilities.