Section 508 Compliance

Section 508 is part of the federal law known as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act -- known as the Section 508 Standards for Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) -- went into effect in June 2001.  The idea behind this standard is that as vendors become more aware of how to make their products accessible, and requestors become more aware of Section 508-compliant products, electronic and information technology will improve.

Santa Barbara City College has incorporated the following statement into our standard purchase order terms and conditions:

"508 Compliance:  Vendor hereby warrants that any hardware or software products or services to be provided under this Purchase Order comply with the accessibility requirements of section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §794d), and its implementing regulations set forth at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, part 1194. Vendor agrees to promptly respond to and resolve any complaint regarding accessibility of its products or services which is brought to its attention. Vendor further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the District, the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges and any California Community College using the Vendor's products or services from any claim arising out of its failure to comply with the aforesaid requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements shall constitute a breach and be grounds for termination of this Purchase Order."