skip to main content
Search

Learn More about PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY: REFORM 3.0 

Software Purchases - Requesting Accessibility Documentation

Overview:

When acquiring digital resources or software, accessibility documentation must be obtained from the vendor and reviewed to ensure compliance. If a product does not meet accessibility standards, an alternative access plan should be created to guarantee that all Southwest students and employees can use the resource.

Start by searching the Tennessee Board of Regents’ AIMT Database to see if accessibility documentation already exists for the digital resource or software you plan to purchase.

To access the AIMT webpage, go to your SWTCC portal and click on the AIMT icon.

If the documentation is older than one year, missing, or incomplete, you’ll need to proceed to contacting the vendor.

AIMT Database

If documentation isn’t available or current, contact the vendor and request these items:

  • A current VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) or comparable accessibility report.
  • An Accessibility Statement showing the vendor’s commitment and conformance to accessibility standards.
  • A Conformance & Remediation Form if the product has partial or non-compliance items.
    Use a polite, clear email or letter with a sample request.

IT Risk Assessment Form

Once you receive the VPAT, Accessibility Statement, and (if needed) the Conformance & Remediation Form, review them carefully. Focus on areas marked “Partially Supports” or “Not Supported” to identify where accessibility gaps exist. 

 

Attach all retrieved documentation (VPAT, Accessibility Statement, Conformance & Remediation Form) to your procurement or renewal ticket in Southwest’s system. This ensures they become part of the purchase review.

If the documentation shows that the product does not fully meet the accessibility standards (i.e., items marked “Partially” or “Not Supported”), you must create an Alternate Access Plan (AAP). This plan must describe how you will provide equivalent access to all students and employees (for example: accommodations, alternate formats, substitute resources).

Contact Us


Related Links

Related Links