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
June 14th, 2001
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