Introducing the "Accessibility Consultant Chooser"

The "Accessibility Consultant Chooser" (or ACC) is an online tool that steps you through the process of selecting an accessibility consultant. In particular, the tool is designed to help you find a consultant with expertise in the following areas of accessibility:

• Websites
• Software (other than websites)
• Telecommunications products and services
• Desktops and portable computers
• Self contained, closed products (such as kiosks, copiers, and fax machines)
• Video and multimedia products

The tool is designed to assist users who are new to accessibility as well as those who are familiar with many of the concepts. On each page, you will see the most pertinent information related to the current step in the selection process. On many of the pages, however, you also will find links to supporting information that you can explore, as needed. You can "drill down" into the details or you can skip through those areas where you are already knowledgeable.

Overview of the ACC Selection Process

Following is an overview of the selection process that is built into the ACC as well as the supporting information that is provided at each step along the way:

You can explore the ACC by clicking any of the links in the table above. But, if you want to use the tool to generate a custom RFP, you need to sign-in to the application by creating a user ID and password and then clicking Next at the bottom of each page to proceed through the ACC’s process. By signing in, you also allow the ACC to keep track of your progress, so you can exit out of the ACC in the middle of the process and it will remember where you left off the next time you sign-in. [Sign-in coming soon!]

Output of the ACC

As a result of using the ACC, you can obtain the following information:

• An RFP template that includes a basic description of the accessibility problem(s) that you are trying to solve and the activities that you want an accessibility consultant to perform
• A list of potential candidate consultants
• Questions to ask of candidate consultants
• Questions to ask of the consultant’s references

Disclaimer

This tool was developed as an educational resource for industry and state officials who are interested in hiring a qualified accessibility consultant. However, final decisions on what to incorporate in a Request for Proposal (RFP) must be made by the individuals originating the request as well as their procurement and legal advisors. This resource is distributed with the understanding that the authors are not engaged in rendering procurement or legal advice or opinion, and that the information contained herein is not to be regarded or relied upon as a substitute for professional procurement and legal service. If you require legal advice or opinion, seek the services of an attorney. If you need procurement advice or opinion, discuss the RFP and your requirements with a buyer in your organization.

Providing Feedback on the Tool

We provide a link to a feedback form at the bottom of each page and at the end of the ACC. We welcome your comments and questions on any aspect of the tool. We will refine the tool over time as we receive feedback on its content and performance.

Getting Started

When you are ready to start using the ACC:

1. Create a user ID and password using the account feature on the left side of this page. [Coming Soon!]
2. Check out the links to the supporting information listed below; review this information as needed.
3. When you are ready to move on, click the Next link at the bottom of the page to select the type of product or service that needs to be more accessible.

Supporting Information

• Introduction to People with Disabilities
• Introduction to Accessibility
• Legal Requirements Related to Accessible Technology