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Federal Aviation Administration Section 508
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THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
Washington, D.C. 20590
June 14, 2001
Access to Electronic and Information Technology
Policy Statement
It is the policy of the U.S. Department of
Transportation to provide access to all of its programs, services and
information to people with disabilities that is comparable to the level
of access provided to others. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and
related Departmental regulations, have made this a requirement since
1978. With the passage of recent amendments to Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act, we must also ensure that the Department's electronic
and information technology (EIT) meets specific accessibility standards
for people with disabilities, including both employees and the customers
we serve, whenever we develop, procure, maintain or use EIT.
Section 508 requires us to provide accessible EIT to
the Department's employees with disabilities, to enable them to
successfully do their jobs and enjoy the same benefits of training and
career opportunities that are available to others in the workforce.
Also, Section 508 requires us to provide our customers with disabilities
accessible EIT to enable them to enjoy the same benefits of the
Department's programs, services and information that are available to
others.
To guide us, the U.S. Access Board established new EIT
accessibility standards, the General Services Administration issued new
EIT acquisition requirements and the Department of Justice (Justice)
provided compliance coordination. To implement Section 508, beginning
June 21, 2001, the Department must acquire EIT products that meet the
new standards and acquisition requirements. In addition, we will strive
to develop, maintain, and use EIT that meets the new standards, unless
doing so would result in an undue burden. The Department will also
cooperate with Justice by providing data about EIT accessibility and
other issues.
I am asking all employees to make a strong commitment
to providing the Department's programs, services and information,
including its EIT, in a format that is accessible to people with
disabilities. Also, I am calling on all managers and supervisors to
provide the leadership necessary to accomplish these important goals. To
help ensure that the Department implements this policy and related
requirements, I am directing the Chief Information Officer and the
Director of the Departmental Office of Civil Rights to provide policy
guidance and technical assistance to the Operating Administrations and
Secretarial Officers. Additionally, I expressly delegate to all
Administrators the responsibility to conduct compliance procedures,
including the processing of complaints and appeals, covered by 49 C.F.R.
Part 28.
Norman Y. Mineta |
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