Overview
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA),
an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), is committed to making its Web sites
accessible to the widest possible audience, including
individuals with disabilities. In keeping with its mission,
HRSA 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
All HRSA information should be accessible
via screen readers and other accessibility tools with
the exception of some pre-2001 information.
- If you need an alternative means of access to any
information on the HRSA Web site please contact us
at comments@hrsa.gov.
Let us know the nature of your accessibility problem
and the Web address of the requested information.
- If you need to convert PDF documents, Adobe®
offers conversion tools at its Accessibility
Resource Center.
Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements
Section
508 requires Federal agencies to ensure that individuals
with disabilities 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
Last Revised: August 21, 2006
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