Procurement and Use of Products

All online products must be reviewed for complinace with the LSU's required accessibilty standards.

Software Acquisition Process

In an effort to provide continuous improvement and a high quality of services regarding all of LSU’s software acquisition needs, Information Technology Services in collaboration with the Digital Resource & Content Committee (DRC), IT Governance Council, and Procurement use a streamlined software acquisition process.

Information security, protection of university data, and ensuring LSU is using software products that meet accessibility standards are the fundamental drivers for review of software acquisitions.  An additional benefit of the review is to ensure that LSU funds are used efficiently, and duplication of software purchases are reduced where possible.  

Software & Digital Resource Acquisition Request (IT100) 

Free Online Products

If a unit is utilizing a free online product, the product still must be reviewed for accessibility compliance. The managing unit is responsible for reviewing and ensuring compliance.

Purchased Online Products

Units interested in purchasing an online product must begin the process with the LSU IT Portfolio Management Office. Level of compliance with both WCAG and WAI-ARIA should be used to identify potential products and in the final selection process.

VPATs 

When working with an online vendor, units should request a VPAT, voluntary product accessibility template. 

Equally Effective Alternate Access

In the event a product is not completely compliant, units will develop an equally effective alternate access plan, documenting the plan in place to provide the inaccessible content in alternative ways.