Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements Americans
with Disabilities Act Section
508 requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure,
maintain, or use electronic and information technology (EIT),
Federal employees with disabilities have comparable access
to and use of information and data as Federal employees who
have no disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed
on the agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals
with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information
or services from a Federal agency, have comparable access
to and use of information and data as the public without disabilities,
unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.Although
Federal agencies have an explicit statutory obligation to
make all EIT that they develop, maintain or use compliant
with Section 508, the current emphasis is on newly procured
EIT because it is the category that is explicitly enforceable
by legal action. Procurement awards made on or after June
25, 2001, are subject to Section 508 (see FAR Final Rule).According
to the Access Board,
the Section 508 requirements do not apply retroactively to
pre-existing EIT. Specifically, the "Electronic
and Information Technology Accessibility Standards: Economic
Assessment," states that
"The standards are to be applied prospectively and do not require Federal
agencies to retrofit existing electronic and information
technology. As agencies upgrade and change their electronic
and information technology, they must comply with the standards."
(See Chapter 2.1 Final Standards)
It should
be noted, however, that other Federal regulations and guidelines
(e.g., Section 501 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act)
require equal access for individuals with disabilities. Therefore,
Federal agencies are required, upon request, to provide information
and data to individuals with disabilities through an alternative
means of access that can be used by the individuals. |
Carley's
Compliance
For all
new multimedia distance learning projects awarded to Carley
Corporation by the U.S. Government after 25 June 2001, Carley
Corporation's products comply with the Americans with Disabilities
Act Section 508 (36 CFR 1194 accessibility standards), unless
specifically waived by the procuring agency.
This web
site has been approved for compliance with Section 508.
|
