[Athen] Product evaluation database

[Susan Kelmer]

I agree.  It would be really great to have this available to all of us.  We get the same questions over and over about products, and if there were a database to access, those questions would certainly lessen.

Two concerns:


1.       Who is going to make the database and keep it maintained?  Should this be a paid position, or at least something of a stipend given for keeping it going?

2.       I am actually uncomfortable with keeping this locked away - yes, I understand liability, but we are asking basic questions here about accessibility of software/apps/programs/websites, and that information should be available to anyone looking for it.  I am making the assumption that people would be looking at the information as part of their planning and investigation of a product that is being recommended for use by administration, etc., so any and all information is going to be useful as part of that investigation.  I think keeping us liability-free is more a matter of writing effective content that is not filled with opinion, but instead informative and descriptive.  VPATs could be included as part of the entry on a product, but should not be the only content.

Susan Kelmer
Alternate Format Access Coordinator
Disability Services
University of Colorado Boulder
303-735-4836



From: athen-list [mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman13.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Ron Stewart
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2015 8:39 AM
To: 'Access Technology Higher Education Network'; aheadmembers at listserve.com
Subject: [Athen] Product evaluation database

Good morning all,

Once again an extreme need has surfaced and that is a need for a database of educational product accessibility evaluations that are readily available.  This does not need to be a totally open resource, due to liability issues a subscription or closed membership system would be find.

I am not talking about VPATS, in most instances they have shown to be not worth the time it took to write them. What I am looking for are real evaluations, that also include what was used for the evaluation.  We have talked about this a lot but nothing ever seems to come of it. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Ron Stewart
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