DOD To Provide Assistive Technology Accommodations to GSA Employees with Disabilities

GSA #10023

June 30, 2003
Contact: Eleni Martin (202) 501-1231
eleni.martin@gsa.gov

Washington, DC - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration signed a partnership agreement with the Department of Defense Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) to provide assistive technology devices and services at no cost to GSA associates with disabilities. These services are available to individuals with visual, hearing, dexterity, and cognitive disabilities and take into account an individual's specific situation, including functional capabilities and computer compatibility. This agreement was made possible through the National Defense Authorization Act which granted CAP the authority and funding to provide assistive technology, devices and services to federal employees with disabilities.

"The assistive technology devices and services that the Department of Defense will provide to GSA employees with disabilities at no cost to our agency is very much appreciated," said GSA Administrator Stephen A. Perry. "Today's agreement helps us to achieve our goal of maintaining a world-class workforce and workplace."

Since 1984, the Center for Information Technology (CITA) in GSA's Office of Governmentwide Policy has promoted awareness and served as a clearinghouse for information on computer accommodation. Through the CITA Assistive Technology Showcase, GSA provides federal workers, managers and people with disabilities with technical assistance and demonstrations about state-of-the-art assistive technology solutions. CITA will continue to provide GSA associates with needs assessments for assistive technology and assistive technology product information and resources to support GSA regional offices. Additionally, CITA will provide GSA associates support in filling out DoD CAP requests.

GSA also manages http://www.section508.gov. This Web site provides information, resources and training related to access to federal electronic and information technology.
GSA is a centralized federal procurement and property management agency created by Congress to improve government efficiency and help federal agencies better serve the public. It acquires, on behalf of federal agencies, office space, equipment, telecommunications, information technology, supplies and services. GSA, comprised of 14,000 associates, provides services and solutions for the office operations of over 1 million federal workers located in more than 8,000 government-owned and leased buildings in 2,000 U.S. communities.