Appendix A: Etextbook Accessibility Considerations

Appendix A: eTextbook Accessibility Considerations

Introduction

Determining whether an eTextbook platform is accessible for persons with disabilities involves more than just verifying conformance with Section 508 standards. This form is intended to help campuses gather sufficient information about the eTextbook platform to determine whether persons with disabilities will have equivalent access to the features and benefits offered by the product. Campuses are encouraged to use information gathered from this form to inform their adoption decision as well as plan any necessary accommodations.

Product Information

What is the name of the product?
What is the website for the product?
Who is the vendor’s accessibility contact person?

Vendor Accessibility Documentation

Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates

Criterion / Findings /
Does the vendor provide a VPAT for each unique eTextbook application (e.g. one for the Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms)?
Does each VPAT apply to the current product version?
Does each VPAT address all of the correct subparts of Section 508 (technical and functional criteria in addition to product documentation)?
Does each VPAT specifically indicate how the product meets/does not meet each Section 508 criterion?
Does each VPAT provide information on suggested workarounds/accommodations for accessibility gaps?

Accessibility Statement

Criterion / Findings /
Does the vendor provide a section or page on their website which contains an accessibility statement?
Does the statement contain a clear and specific policy or commitment to accessibility?
Does the statement describe the vendor’s accessibility goals as well as progress/plans for meeting these goals?
Does the statement indicate that the vendor tests their products with assistive technology used by persons with disabilities? Is testing done by users with disabilities?

Other Accessibility Information

Criterion / Findings /
Does the vendor provide accessibility information (e.g. keyboard commands, interface adjustments) in the product documentation?
Does the vendor provide accessibility information in its web-based support tools (e.g. knowledgebase, FAQs)?
Does the vendor provide strategies for product implementations that maximize accessibility (e.g. white papers, case studies)?
Does the vendor maintain an easily-located accessibility section on their website which aggregates all important accessibility information?

Vendor Business Practices

Support Practices

Criterion / Findings /
Does the vendor have staff specifically trained and assigned to address accessibility questions/concerns? If so, is contact information for these staff provided?
Does the vendor provide web-based user support tools (e.g. knowledgebase, discussion forums, chat) that are accessible for users with disabilities?
If a person with a disability is unable to use the vendor’s web-based user support tools, will the vendor allow phone or email support as an accessible alternative?
Does the vendor phone-based support that is accessible for users with disabilities (e.g. TTY)?

Purchasing/Contracting Practices

Criterion / Findings /
Does the vendor provide accessibility status information regarding eTextbooks to customers prior to purchase?
Does the vendor allow users to preview eTextbooks prior to purchase? If so, does the preview mode use the same reader application as that used for purchased titles?
Does the vendor allow users with disabilities to return eTextbooks that are incompatible with their assistive technology?
Does the vendor avoid contract stipulations that would require all students in a course to use their eTextbook?

Accommodation Practices

Criterion / Findings /
Will the vendor provide an unlocked, electronic copy of the book to a Disability Services office upon request?
Does the vendor partner with external entities to offer accessible versions of their eTextbooks to persons with disabilities (e.g. National Library Service, Learning Ally)?
Are the eTextbooks offered by this vendor also available in print format (in case the alternate format version cannot be produced from the digital book)?

Non-Vendor Accessibility Information (CSU/Third Party)

Criterion / Findings /
Has a formal accessibility screening/evaluation been conducted by the ATI, a CSU campus, or a third party?
Is the accessibility evaluation applicable to the product under consideration (e.g. similar version number, OS platform, features evaluated)?
Does the accessibility evaluation adequately document the methods, tools, and standards used to determine if the product is accessible?
Does the accessibility evaluation clearly identify the product’s accessibility features and gaps?
What other references (e.g. articles, presentations, press releases) address the product’s accessibility?

Implementation Recommendations

Criterion / Findings /
What implementation strategies should campuses consider when adopting this product?
What implementation strategies should users consider when using this product?

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