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Section 508 was
enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, to
make available new opportunities for people with disabilities,
and to encourage development of technologies that will help
achieve these goals.
Section
508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires access to
electronic and information technology procured by Federal
agencies. The Access Board developed accessibility
standards for the various technologies covered by the
law. These standards have been folded into the Federal government's
procurement regulations.
The law applies
to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain,
or use such technology. Federal agencies must ensure that
this technology is accessible to employees and members of
the public
with disabilities to the extent it does not pose an "undue
burden." The law directed the Board to develop access
standards that are to become part of the Federal government's
procurement regulations. The scope of section 508 and the
Board's standards are limited to the Federal sector.
The new standards provide technical
criteria specific to various types of technologies and performance-based
requirements, which focus on the functional capabilities of
covered technologies. Specific criteria cover software applications
and operating systems; web-based information or applications;
telecommunications functions; video or multi-media products;
self contained, closed products such as information kiosks
and transaction machines, and computers. Also covered is compatibility
with adaptive equipment people
with disabilities commonly use for information and communication
access.
Learn how others have
utilized Section 508 to obtain disability related items funding.
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