Assessing tech accessibility is vital for all students. The VPAT, an industry standard document, evaluates tool accessibility. We'll discuss using a rubric and database incorporating VPAT and personal reviews to quantify risks and create a review catalog, aiding in Equitably Effective Alternative Access Plans and product comparisons across institutions.

Ensuring accessibility in educational technology (EdTech) tools is fundamental for fostering inclusive learning environments where all students can participate. Evaluating the accessibility of these tools is a multifaceted process essential for guaranteeing that they meet the diverse needs of learners. this task can fall to a variety of roles depending on your institution, and these roles can have varying levels of expertise in the area of accessibility. A key instrument utilized in this evaluation is the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), a document that is prepared by the tool's manufacturer, rather than an impartial reviewer. The VPAT serves as the industry standard for assessing a tool's accessibility and highlighting potential challenges that may arise in various usage cases. During this session, we will discuss the mechanisms we have employed for evaluating accessibility, focusing particularly on a rubric and database we designed to increase the efficacy of this process. This framework integrates the VPAT assessment with personal reviews, offering a analysis of potential accessibility risks. By using VPAT evaluations with subjective user experiences, this approach aims to provide a nuanced understanding of a tool's accessibility in a more understandable way. One of the primary advantages of utilizing this rubric and database system is its capacity to create and maintain a centralized catalog of accessibility reviews. This repository archives previous assessments, enabling educators and administrators to reference past evaluations and track trends in accessibility over time. Moreover, this catalog serves as a valuable resource for informing decision-making processes related to the adoption and procurement of EdTech tools. By enhancing our ability to identify and quantify accessibility risks, we can proactively devise Equitably Effective Alternative Access Plans (EEAAPs) tailored to address the specific needs of diverse learners. These plans serve as strategic frameworks for mitigating accessibility barriers and ensuring that all students have equitable access to educational resources and opportunities. Furthermore, the creation of a database housing VPAT reviews facilitates comparative analysis among different tools, enabling educators and administrators to make informed choices based on accessibility considerations. This comparative approach empowers educational institutions to select tools that align with their accessibility priorities and support their commitment to inclusive education. Throughout our discussion, we will examine practical examples of how this rubric and database system have been implemented within a university setting. Additionally, we will explore the potential for broader application across diverse educational institutions, considering the varying contexts and requirements of different learning environments. In conclusion, evaluating the accessibility of EdTech tools is necessary for promoting inclusive education and equitable learning opportunities. By leveraging tools such as the VPAT, combined with personalized reviews and meaningful comparative analysis, we can proactively address accessibility challenges and cultivate environments where all students can thrive.