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An Overview of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act,  Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act,  and the Pending Refresh

Abstract

In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. Inaccessible technology interferes with an individual's ability to obtain and use information quickly and easily. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. Even though Section 508 was meant to apply to federal agencies, many states and private entities have adopted or relied on the standards to promote access to technology for people with disabilities.

The Access Board currently is reviewing the standards to update it in the face of emerging technology. Mr. Creagan will discuss new barriers facing people with disabilities as they access emerging technology and some of the issues the Access Board is considering as they refresh the standards.

Come listen to a presentation on the pending refresh of the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards under Section 508 and the Telecommunications Accessibility Guidelines by the U.S. Access Board.  There will be a discussion of the TEITAC report and its recommendations.