Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps - Sponsored by The Office of the United States Surgeon General

Accessibility

Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements

Section 508 requires Federal agencies to provide access to and use of information and data to Federal employees with disabilities, comparable to that provided to Federal employees without disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency, when developing, procuring, maintaining, or using electronic and information technology (EIT). 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 do members of the public without disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

Although Federal agencies have an explicit statutory obligation to ensure all developed, maintained, or used EIT is 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:

"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 these individuals.

Please refer questions about accessiblity to mrcwebmaster@z-techcorp.com.


Last Updated on 6/19/2006

 
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