Access to Electronic and Information Technology Policy Statement

I fully support access by persons with disabilities to all departmental programs, services, information, and technology that is comparable to the access provided to persons without disabilities.  The U.S. Department of Transportation will take all necessary actions to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.  The Act prohibits disability discrimination in any program or activity that receives Federal funds or is conducted by an executive Agency.

Similarly, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, requires that all electronic and information technology (EIT) purchased, developed, maintained, or used by the Department must meet the accessibility standards of the legislation.  The Department will comply with all statutory requirements to ensure that employees with disabilities have access to and use of EIT to perform their assigned functions.  The accessibility and usability of EIT will be comparable for all employees, regardless of disability, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the Department.

In order to achieve our organizational excellence goal, the Department must maintain an accessible work environment.  This is crucial to ensuring that all individuals with the appropriate skills and talents have equal employment opportunities.  Supervisors and managers should provide effective leadership aimed at accomplishing disability assessment goals.  The Chief Information Officer, the Assistant Secretary for Administration, and the Director of the Departmental Office of Civil Rights are available to provide employees with policy guidance and technical assistance.

Ray LaHood