Northern Illinois University
Ethics and Compliance Office
Office of the President

NIU requires that all electronic and information technology (EIT) purchases be accessible in compliance with Federal Rehabilitation Act - Section 508 Refresh and Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act 2.0. Accessible EIT can be accessed by people with a wide range of abilities using different devices in diverse situations.

EIT purchasers can improve the accessibility of NIU's technology environment by making accessibility a criteria when purchasing.

Vendors should have a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) available to show compliance with accessibility law by detailing how it meets Section 508 requirements. 

If there are criteria labeled "Supports with Exceptions" or "Not Supported," then the product is not fully accessible.

If you have questions about a VPAT®, contact the Information Technology Accessibility Officer at it-accessibility@niu.edu. 

Information for Campus Requesters

• Exceptions to required accessibility compliance
• Quick accessibility checks you can do yourself
• Getting a VPAT®
• Reading a VPAT®

Information for EIT Vendors

• Applicable federal and state laws
• Accessible defined
• VPAT®

Making NIU a Center of Excellence for Accessibility

As campus requesters make accessibility a factor when choosing EIT, NIU's technology will become more accessible. Vendors will make their products accessible because the higher education market demands it. Accessibility will become part of technology, not an option or something added on, allowing NIU to move from accommodations to accessibility.