Section 508: Setting the Scene…

Section 508 is an amendment to the 1973 Rehabilitation Act made in 1998 requiring Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.  It covers software applications and operating systems, web-based intranet and internet information and applications, telecommunications products, videos or multimedia products, self contained and/or closed products, and desktop and portable computers.

Recently, a Department of Justice survey revealed that although some progress has been made on making Federal agencies’ web and electronic content accessible.  FederalNews.com writes that:

• A little more than 50 percent of agency components said they had established a Section 508 policy.
• Nearly 70 percent had appointed a Section 508 coordinator.
• Nearly 60 percent did not provide Section 508 training to their staff.
• Less than 50 percent incorporated Section 508 requirements in each procurement solicitations.

Does your Federal agency need help?  If you want to learn more about Section 508 best practices, tools, trends, and practices, please pre-register for our seminar at the National Press Club in Washington, DC!