Information is essential to our employment, education, entertainment and community participation, and many Americans rely on the internet, wireless phones, ATM's, email, and fax to access that information. However, too often these technologies remain inaccessible for persons with disabilities. Section 508 requires that Federal agencies' electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities, including employees and members of the public. Section 508 establishes requirements for any electronic and information technology developed, maintained, procured or used by the Federal government.

The accessibility standards, required under Section 508, apply to software and operating systems, Web-based applications and information, telecommunications products, video and multimedia products, desktop and portable computers and self-contained products, such as information kiosks. This effort is similar to the nationwide effort during the 70's to eliminate physical barriers in buildings and public facilities, such as wider doors, ramps and curb cuts to accommodate wheelchairs.

As of June 21, 2001, all new information posted on federal Web sites must be accessible. This deadline also applies to existing information posted on the web. The June 21 deadline was set for all federal agencies to comply to the regulations, but many agencies had to deal with numerous web page complexities making it difficult to meet the Section 508 compliance deadline. The changes mandated by the regulation include providing websites that can be read by screen readers, underlining links to other web pages, minimizing blinking or flashing text and providing text screens for webcasts.

For some time, LINC has been working with agencies, both government and non-government, to provide training to web designers in making websites accessible. Mainly, LINC has been active in adapting web pages for use with the JAWS application for Windows from Freedom Scientific Inc., one of the most popular screen readers. Learning how to use screen readers poses some problems. Some are easier to use than others. LINC will test websites to find out whether vision impaired employees can access the applications and data through JAWS and will make recommendations to enhance web page accessibility. LINC also provides services to agencies to retrofit pages, already on-line to transform graphics and images to be compatible with the screen reading software. These services include information on how to use frames and style sheets, providing alternatives to multimedia presentations; how to handle on-line forms and PDF files, and how to verify that a web site is 508 compliant.

It is certainly in the agency's best interest to meet accessibility standards, as disabled federal employees can sue if they cannot use the same data and electronic equipment as other employees. Vendors in the federal marketplace should also make a concerted effort to meet disability guidelines or risk losing a chance at future contracts.

To make a quick assessment of how your site stacks up, try the Bobby tool created by the Center for Applied Special Technology at www.cast.org/bobby or call LINC to set up a consultation to review your site.