DES Update: Partners:Accessibility

DES Home | For Consumers | For Health Care Providers
For DES Update Partners | Contact Us

Notice! Content may be out of date
The following content is no longer maintained and may be out of date. Persons with disabilities having difficulty accessing the information on this page may contact cdcinfo@cdc.gov for assistance. Please view the Updated Bibliographies on the Updated Bibliographies page for updated information on this topic.


	DES Update Partners Home

	Become A DES Update Partner

	Partner Resources

	DES Update Partners

Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements:
Section 508 requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology (EIT), Federal employees with disabilities have comparable access to and use of information and data as Federal employees who have no disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, have comparable access to and use of information and data as the public without disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

Although Federal agencies have an explicit statutory obligation to make all EIT that they develop, maintain or use compliant with Section 508, the current emphasis is on newly procured EIT because it is the category that is explicitly enforceable by legal action. Procurement awards made on or after June 25, 2001, are subject to Section 508 (see FAR Final Rule).

According to the Access Board, the Section 508 requirements do not apply retroactively to pre-existing EIT. Specifically, the "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards: Economic Assessment," states that:

"The standards are to be applied prospectively and do not require Federal agencies to retrofit existing electronic and information technology. As agencies upgrade and change their electronic and information technology, they must comply with the standards." (See Chapter 2.1 Final Standards)

It should be noted, however, that other Federal regulations and guidelines (e.g., Section 501 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) require equal access for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, Federal agencies are required, upon request, to provide information and data to individuals with disabilities through an alternative means of access that can be used by the individuals.