Definitions and terminology

Technology that individuals with disabilities can use to independently acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services within the same timeframe as individuals without disabilities, with substantially equivalent ease of use.

The University committee that evaluates requests to purchase technology which is not completely accessible.

An ACR is a document that evaluates how accessible a particular product is according to the Section 508 Standards. It is a self-disclosing document produced by the vendor which details each aspect of the Section 508 requirements and how the product supports each criterion. ACRs are used by buyers to determine how accessible a product is and where any potential deficiencies are. They are required by some buyers before a purchase is made.  They are a completed VPAT.

A template for vendors to document any accessibility issues their product currently has, and to indicate their plans for addressing these issues in future releases. (CSU Accessibility Roadmap Template)

includes web resources, software, electronic office equipment, computers, readers, classroom equipment such as clickers, whiteboards, and podiums, and multimedia.

NAU and most universities have adopted Section 508 as the required standard for electronic information technology. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, was written for federal agencies and requires that when agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, agency employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from an agency, have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to the public who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

Northern Arizona University has adopted WCAG 2.0 level AA for web-based content.  Therefore, all web sites and content must be conformant with WCAG 2.0 level AA.

A VPAT is a template used to create Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACR). It details how a company can report each aspect of the Section 508 requirements and how the product supports each criterion.