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Overview
The Office of Inspector General is committed to making its
Web sites accessible to the widest possible audience, including
individuals with disabilities. In keeping with its mission,
OIG complies by implementing the regulations of Section
508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the HHS Secretary's Section 508 Implementation Policy.
For Alternate Access to Web Information
At this time, all OIG information should be accessible via
screen readers and other accessibility tools with the
exception of some pre-2001 information. This information
may not be available in accessible formats.
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If you need an alternative means of access to any information
on the OIG Web site please contact us by using the information
found on our Contact Us page.
Let us know the nature of your accessibility problem, the
Web address of the requested information, and your contact
information.
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If you need to convert PDF documents, Adobe® offers
conversion tools at its Accessibly
Resource Center.
Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements
Section 508 requires
Federal agencies to ensure that individuals with disabilities
who are members of the public or Federal employees have access
to and use of electronic and information technology (EIT) that
is comparable to that provided to individuals without disabilities,
unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. The
requirements of Section 508 apply to an agency's procurement
of EIT, as well as the agency's development, maintenance, or
use of EIT.
Although Federal agencies have an explicit statutory obligation
to make all electronic and information technology (EIT) that
they develop, procure, maintain, or use compliant with Section
508, individuals may only file complaints or lawsuits to enforce
Section 508's requirements with respect to EIT systems procured
or deployed on or after June 21, 2001. Learn more at FAR Final Rule.
The Section 508 requirements do not apply retroactively to
pre-existing EIT. However, as agencies upgrade and change their
electronic and information technology, they must comply with
the standards. 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."
It should be noted, however, that Federal agencies have additional
responsibilities under Section 501 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act. These Sections require that agencies provide reasonable
accommodation to employees with disabilities and provide program
access to members of the public with disabilities and take
other actions necessary to prevent discrimination on the basis
of disability in their programs.
To Learn More
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