Training

EPA Specific Training
Training Outside of EPA

EPA Specific Training

The EPA Section 508 Coordinator provides free training upon request. Training is audience specific including:

Section 508 Overview: This is a 30-minute course designed as an overview for management or other appropriate staff. Course covers the basic statutory basis of Section 508, exceptions, and EPA policy and processes.
Section 508 — The Basics: This intensive and interactive training covers the Section 508 statutory requirements, standards, and exceptions in more detail and also addresses EPA policy, procedures and resources. 90-minute course.
Section 508 — Advanced: This course goes beyond the basics to cover specific issues or concerns that your office may be experiencing. Course is designed around your audience’s needs.

Please note that these trainings are available upon request. For Region offices, travel expenses for the Section 508 Coordinator may need to be covered by the requesting office. Contact Amanda Sweda, sweda.amanda@epa.gov or (202) 566-0678 for details.

The Office of Environmental Information (OEI) and the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) have partnered to develop a course covering Section 508 and the web standards:

Section 508, Accessibility and Web Design: This is a free 90-minute session for coders, and web content reviewers (EPA staff and contractors) specific to EPA Web pages and the EPA Web template. This course outlines the statutory basis of Section 508 accessibility requirements, reviews the web requirements that occur most often on EPA pages, specific things to watch for when designing EPA Web pages, and how to write good alt text. Training is offered in person at Headquarters and as a “webinar” for those who cannot attend the training in person. For more details, please refer to the EPA Web Training site

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Training Outside of EPA

The General Services Administration (GSA), the Access Board, and other Federal agencies offer free training as well.

GSA Training

GSA will provide training free of charge to agencies across the country. If you would like to arrange training, please contact Amanda Sweda, sweda.amanda@epa.gov or (202) 566-0678.
GSA also provides the 508 Universe which serves as a central hub for GSA's Section 508 training. The online courses are free and include:
- Designing Accessible Web sites (4 hours)
- Accessible Conferences (2 hours)
- Buying Accessible E & IT (1.25 hours)
- Section 508 Coordinators (1.5 hours)
- Additional Accessibility & Usability Concerns (1.25 hours)
- Accessible Video and Multimedia (2.5 hours)
- Building and Buying Accessible Software (2 hours)
- Buying Accessible Computers (1.5 hours)
- Micro-purchases and Section 508
- IRS Course on Software Development
For Assistance with GSA Training

The Section 508 Web site is not an EPA site and is managed by GSA. You will have to establish your own ID and password in order to access the “508 Universe” training resources on GSA's Web site. GSA has prepared user guidance with instructions for registering and using the 508 training.

Access Board

The U.S. Access Board (responsible for the Section 508 Standards) conducts workshops and brown bag lunches about Section 508 standards, issues and related topics. Please refer to Access Board’s Section 508 Monthly Lunch and Learn Sessions Site for details.

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

PTO has an extensive Section 508 program and offers free training to government employees and contractors at its Alexandria, Virginia location. Students who successfully complete a course will receive a CD with additional information and references. For current course offerings, please refer to the PTO Section 508 Training Site.