Federal Agencies Not Complying With Accessibility Standards

Source: Justice For All Email List, Dec 5, 2007

A November memo from the White House Office of Management & Budget (OMB) to Federal acquisition and information officers shows that less than 3 percent of government purchase orders that include information technology also included the Section 508 standards.

Section 508 standards require that electronic and information technology purchased by the government is accessible to both employees with disabilities at the federal agency as well as to its customers with disabilities. Typically, this means web sites and computers that are accessible to blind persons as well as telephone equipment that works for people with hearing disabilities, and computers, fax, and other workplace electronic devices that must be accessible to people with other disabilities. The OMB memo was a reminder to federal agency information and purchasing chiefs that they should be in compliance with these Section 508 requirements.

Section 508 standards are currently undergoing a "refresh" by the US Access Board. Government purchase of accessible office equipment is a strong driver of more accessibility in all workplaces. AAPD is a member of the committee making recommendations for new guidelines. Get further information at www.teitac.org.