Action Step 4: BUY & IMPLEMENT

If accessible workplace technology is your goal, you must ensure that you buy accessible technology in the first place and deploy solutions that work for all users. With this in mind, PEAT encourages employers to build accessibility into their procurement processes and validate the accessibility of their product choices prior to implementing them.

To help you learn more about acquiring accessible technology, we offer guidance on searching the market for accessible solutions, validating chosen solutions, and evaluating products for accessibility: 

• Accessible Technologies: The Search is On—Explore key steps to take when you're preparing to issue a solicitation for new technology products. Learn how to research the accessibility of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products, review Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs), help shape your organization's ICT purchases, and more.   
• Making the Grade: Testing Your Products for Accessibility​—Learn tips to help internal technology developers implement an accessibility testing program. Topics include standards to guide your testing processes, scenario-based testing methods, documentation, and remediation planning. 
• Communication Matters: How to Talk to Technology Providers about Accessibility—Ensure that you communicate about accessibility with your vendors clearly, directly, and throughout the technology development lifecycle.
• Model Procurement Language for ICT—Add this model procurement language to your contracts with vendors.