Electronic and Information Technology

Information on ensuring that people with disabilities have access to all electronic services and equipment, including telephones, information kiosks, transaction machines, websites, multimedia equipment (such as videotapes) and office equipment (copiers, fax machines).

Resources

• Access Adobe
  Website with information on website accessibility, particularly in relation to reading Adobe-created portable document format (pdf) files. The website features links to software that allows website users with disabilities to access the content in pdf files. It also includes links to software that website developers can use to ensure that their websites comply with federal accessibility requirements.
• Access E-Learning
  This online tutorial is a service of the Georgia Tech Research on Accessible Distance Education project (GRADE), with funding from the US Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE). This ten-module tutorial is a resource for those seeking to make their distance education and presentations accessible for individuals with disabilities.
• Assistive Technology Showcase Devices
  The GSA Center for Information Technology Accommodation (CITA) maintains an Assistive Technology Center to showcase the leading edge assistive technology equipment and devices, and ergonomic workplace solutions. This website provides pictures of some of the assistive technologies found in the AT Center.
• Designing More Usable Public Information/Transaction Machines
  Webpage with information on making Information Transctions Kiosks (ITM) accessible to people with disabilities, from the University of Wisconsin's Trace Center. Includes information on the Center's EZ Access™ kiosk design.
• Equal Access to Software Information (EASI)
  This site provides information and distance training on how to assure that people with disabilities are able to access information technologies.
• FAQs and General TTY Etiquette Tips for New TTY Users
  Online document giving general tips for those new to TTY (teletypewriter) technology, which is used by people with deafness and hardness-of-hearing to communicate over the telephone.
• Section508.gov
  Information and resources for implementing the requirements of Section 508, which requires that federal agencies' electronic and information technologies be available to people with disabilities.
• Telecommunications Relay Services
  Information on Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), which allow people with deafness or hardness-of-hearing using TTY technology to telephone voice users by relaying information through a trained communications assistant.
• WAVE
  Online tool to help web authors verify that their website is accessible to people with disabilities.
• WebABLE
  Website with extensive resources on ensuring access to information technologies for people with disabilities.
• Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
  Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the Internet. Features news and resources for website developers and advocacy groups, including guidelines, checklists and specific techniques to ensure accessibility.
• Webcontent.gov: Your Guide to Managing U.S. Government Websites
  A web-based guide to help web content managers of U.S. government websites manage their agency's website. Website contains information and guidance on federal web site requirements, Federal web policies, best practices, governance issues, website design, accessibility, usability, and performance measures. While U.S. federal web content managers are the primary audience, web content managers from state, local, and international governments will also find the resources available on the web site beneficial.

Organizations

• Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP)
  The CAP program is a model program for accommodating employees with disabilities. This program is focused on accommodating employees with disabilities in the Department of Defense and other Federal agencies, but also has information and resources that are also useful to any individual or employer. The program has a technology evaluation center with several accessible electronic work stations and is open to visitors.
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) -- Disabilities Issues
  Webpage describing the various FCC programs aimed at ensuring access to telecommunications technology for people with disabilities.
• Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center
  Research center at the Georgia Institute of Technology dedicated to promoting the development of accessible electronic & information technology (E&IT) by providing technical assistance, training and information.
• Media Access Group at WGBH
  Group at Boston's local public television station responsible for captioning, description, and other services to make television and video accessible to people with disabilities.
• National Center for Accessible Media
  Research and development facility dedicated to: (1) expanding access to present and future media for people with disabilities; (2) exploring how existing access technologies may benefit other populations; (3) representing its constituents in industry, policy and legislative circles; and (4) providing access to educational and media technologies for special needs students.
• Trace Center
  Research center focused on using current and emerging information and telecommunications technology to reduce or eliminate functional barriers for people with disabilities.
• Usability.gov
  Website maintained by the National Cancer Institute with information and resources on creating usable, useful and accessible websites. Focuses on health-related websites but contains information useful to the general public.
• WebAIM (Web Accessibility in Mind)
  Organization devoted to improving accessibility to postsecondary online learning opportunities for people with disabilities.