Section 508 of the Disabilities Act

Section 508 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 mandates that all Federal government information must be accessible to people with disabilities. This has broadranging implications, but the one that is in the spotlight in 2001 is the requirement that all Federal websites must meet accessibility standards.

April 2001 - Federal Agencies are scrambling as the June 21 deadline for implementing the rules of Section 508 approach. So how is our government doing?

June 2001 - New rules regarding accessibility requirements for Federal equipment and information took effect last week. Based on Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, these rules are meant to ensure equal access for people with disabilities. There seems to be considerable confusion about who must adhere to these requirements and what they really demand. Here are the guidance instructions from the Access Board