A structured, recurring review process ensures that all software used for teaching, learning, research, and administration is usable by people with disabilities, and compliant with federal and state regulations.
March 2026 update: this group is currently formalizing its charter, and examining ways to focus on accessibility during the purchasing process, as well as publicizing accessible software. The group's findings will be included in the second draft of the UVM Digital Accessibility Roadmap, released in April 2026.
OAS/ETS Accessible Software Group Goals
Create and maintain an online, public-facing inventory of both recommended and not-recommended software, with a focus on licensing, approval, and support, as well as accessibility.
Create and maintain an online repository of Accessible Conformance Reports (ACRs) submitted by all vendors working with UVM.
Verify accessibility conformance for each item in the emerging Accessible Software Inventory.
Link to Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan (EEAAP) where needed
Use the Inventory to communicate to the campus community and provide faculty, staff, and students with a way to inform their decision making when adopting software in their teaching and elsewhere.
Structure of the Group
| ROLE | MEMBER & AFFILIATION | RESPONSIBILITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Sharon Mone, Office of Accessibility Services | Carries ultimate responsibility for implementing the group's recommendations to campus leadership |
| Co-Chairs | UVM Office of Accessibility Services UVM Enterprise Technology Services | Group organization and leadership. Set review calendar, escalate exceptions, sign off on EEAAPs. |
| Web & Digital Accessibility Specialist plus student assistants | Audrey Homan, UVM Office of Accessibility Services Nick Hall, UVM Office of Accessibility Services | Performs ACR review, including manual testing with screen readers, voice control, etc. Update campus internal software list and external software list |
| Stakeholders | DSU |
Workflow Operations
12-Month Standard Accessibility Review
TBA.
Issue-Driven Accessibility Review
TBA.