Access Board Issues Guidance Materials on 508 Standards
Editor: 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. The
Access Board website attempts to clarify this confusion. Another good
site for Section 508 information is the Information Technology Technical
Assistance & Training Project (ITTATC) site (www.ittatc.org). Here's
a statement from the Access Board.
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Accessibility requirements for electronic and information technology
in the Federal sector will soon take effect under Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act. This law requires that such technology be accessible
according to standards issued by the Access Board last December. Access
is covered for a variety of products, including computer hardware and
software, websites, phone systems, fax machines, copiers, and similar
technologies. Provisions in the standards spell out what makes these
products accessible to people with disabilities, including those with
vision, hearing, and mobility impairments.
The Board is preparing guidance material to help Federal agencies
understand their responsibilities under the law and to follow the
standards. This material and additional information on Section 508 is
available on the Board's website at http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm
and http://www.access-board.gov/news/508.htm. These pages include links
to other key sources of information.
Section 508 relies strongly on the procurement process to ensure
compliance with the new standards. In April, the Federal Acquisition
Regulatory Council issued a rule that effectively folded the standards
into the regulations that govern Federal procurement. The updated
regulation, which takes effect June 25, 2001, will help Federal agencies
comply with the law.
Questions on the 508 standards can be directed to the Board at
508@access-board.gov.
Dave Yanchulis, The Access Board
(202) 272-5434, ext. 127 (voice), (202) 272-5449 (TTY)
yanchulis@access-board.gov
www.access-board.gov
