How often do your contractors or internal staff create information deliverables, like reports, that you intend to put on the web? If you plan to make reports available through a link on website, then it becomes subject to Section 508 Provisions from 1194.22, 1194.31, and 1198.41(a) apply. 1194.22 Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications-Read… Read more »
Here are some new posts about Section 508 solicitation language on the Accessibility Forum 2.0 blog. Check them out and share them! Are there “standard Section 508 clauses”? – No! Standard solicitation clauses, or statements that indicate Section 508 applies or may apply without going into the detail of identifying EIT deliverables and what sectionsRead… Read more »
Within the domain of Section 508 there are many misconceptions. One notable misconception is the thought that if the language works for one solicitation it will work for all. We see many cases where Section 508 language is cut from one solicitation and pasted to another. This approach is like trying to fit a squareRead… Read more »
Web 2.0 technologies (a.k.a. new media) provide opportunities for agencies to disseminate and collect information in new and exciting ways. Wikis, blogs and social networking sites are all examples of connecting people electronically. Agencies are already working on policies, regulations and guidance on the use of Web 2.0 media. But what about existing regulations –Read… Read more »
Do you need to make a Flash video for your website? If you do, it needs to be accessible to people with disabilities. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs recently created a on-line course called, “Creating Accessible Flash” to help you apply Section 508. It is available for free on the VA website.
Here are some upcoming accessibility events. CSUN – The 26th Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference – March 14-19, 2011 in San Diego, CA 2011 Web and New Media Conference– the annual Government Web Managers Conference – March 17 and 18, 2011 in Washington, DC Note that the CSUN early bird discount rateRead… Read more »
Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) accessibility aims to provide access and use of information by persons with disabilities. The purpose of information security is to limit access to people who have a need to know. But it can also limit access for people who need to know, but happen to have disabilities. People who areRead… Read more »
The GSA’s Section 508 program recently created a guidance document called “Guidance on Creating 508 Compliant IT Solicitations.” Accessible information technology (IT) is technology that can be used by people with disabilities. And it is not just the right thing to do, it’s the law. Federal agencies are required to provide “comparable access” to dataRead… Read more »
Are conferences Electronic and Information Technology and subject to Section 508? On one hand, accommodation for attendees with disabilities is not Section 508. Those accommodations are covered by ADA. On the other hand, websites and presentations, webinars, and other electronic information distributed as part of the conference are subject to Section 508. For example ifRead… Read more »
This post was recently published by the BuyAccessible team on the Accessibility Forum 2.0 blog. (http://buyaccessible.net/blog/ ) Our New Year’s resolution is to move from focusing on just BuyAccessible to BeAccessible. Our current tools provided Section 508 guidance for government buyers of Electronic and Information Technology (EIT). But, Section 508 also includes development, maintenance andRead… Read more »