IT Accessibility Laws and Policies

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Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Management</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Manage a 508 Program - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Manage a 508 Program</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/roles/">Accessibility Roles</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/improve-digital-dashboard-scores/">Improve Digital Dashboard Accessibility Scores</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/publish-accessible-content/">Publish Accessible Content</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/teach-staff-about-accessibility/">Teach Staff about Accessibility</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/track-report-conformance/">Track and Report Conformance</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/program-manager-responsibilities/">IT Accessibility/508 Program Manager Responsibilities</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/program-roadmap/">Revised 508 Standards Roadmap</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/deia-guidance/">DEIA Accessibility Guidance</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/benefits-of-accessibility/">Practical Reasons for Digital Accessibility</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/how-508-standards-benefit-pwd/">How 508 Standards Benefit Persons With Disabilities</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Accessibility for IT Program & Project Manager - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Accessibility for IT Program & Project Manager</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/program-management/">IT Accessibility Program Management</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/identify-user-needs/">Identify User Needs</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/support-accessible-content/">Support Development of Accessible Content</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/understand-scope-technical-requirements/">Understand Content Scope and Technical Requirements</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/join-the-508-community/">Join the 508 community</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/tools/program-manager-listing/">Find your Program Manager</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/pmr/">Semi-Annual Program Maturity Report (PMR)</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="Playbooks - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Playbooks</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/">Overview</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/accessibility-playbook-quick-guide/">Quick Guide to IT Accessibility for Program Managers</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Technology Accessibility Playbook - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Technology Accessibility Playbook</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/">Introduction</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play01/">Play 1: Establish a Section 508 Program Manager</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play02/">Play 2: Assess your Section 508 Program Maturity</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play03/">Play 3: Develop a Section 508 Accessibility Roadmap</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play04/">Play 4: Establish a Section 508 Policy</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play05/">Play 5: Develop a Section 508 Program Team</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play06/">Play 6: Collaborate with the Federal Accessibility Community</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play07/">Play 7: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Requirements and Design Processes</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play08/">Play 8: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Market Research and Acquisition Processes</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play09/">Play 9: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Development Processes</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play10/">Play 10: Conduct Section 508 Testing</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play11/">Play 11: Track and Resolve Accessibility Issues</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play12/">Play 12: Educate the Workforce</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/exec-guide-accessibility/">Executive Guide to Federal IT Accessibility</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="Law and Policy - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Law and Policy</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item active usa-current "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/">IT Accessibility Laws and Policies Overview</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/section-508-law/">Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/quick-reference-guide/">Laws and Policy Quick Reference Guide</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Website Accessibility Statements - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Website Accessibility Statements</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/website-accessibility-statement/">Developing a Website Accessibility Statement</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/implementing-public-feedback-mechanism/">Implementing a Public Feedback Mechanism</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/Section-508-complaints-best-practices/">Best Practices For Establishing And Maintaining a Formal Section 508 Complaint Process</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/update-agency-policies/">Updating Agency Policy</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/state/">State-level Accessibility Law and Policy</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/international/">International IT Accessibility Laws and Policies</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="IT Accessibility Policy Framework - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">IT Accessibility Policy Framework</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/introduction/">Introduction</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="How to Use the Framework - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">How to Use the Framework</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/how-to-identify-policies/">How to Identify Policies</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/evaluation-criteria/">Evaluation Criteria</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/guiding-question/">Guiding Questions</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/ict-accessibility-policy-matrix/">ICT Accessibility Policy Matrix</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Guidance by Policy Type - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Guidance by Policy Type</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/approach/">Approach</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/acquisition-and-procurement/">Acquisition and Procurement</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/administrative-services/">Administrative Services</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/budget-and-finance/">Budget and Finance</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/communications/">Communications</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/emergency-response/">Emergency Response</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/human-resources-management/">Human Resources Management</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/information-technology-services/">Information Technology Services</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/legal/">Legal</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/real-property-management/">Real Property Management</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Resources and References - 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Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Annual Section 508 Assessment</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/">Instructions</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Assessment Criteria - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Assessment Criteria</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-01/">General Information</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-02/">IT Accessibility Program Office</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-03/">Policies, Procedures, and Practices</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-04/">Communications</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-05/">Content Creation</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-06/">Human Capital, Culture, and Leadership</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-07/">Technology Lifecycle Activities</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-08/">Testing and Validation</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-09/">Acquisition and Procurement</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-10/">Training</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-11/">Conformance Metrics</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/faq/">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/support/">Support</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/definition-of-terms/">Definition of Terms</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/annual-reports/">Annual Reports</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/manage/agency-508-reporting-requirements/" >Agency Section 508 Reporting Requirements</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/manage/accessibility-faq/" >ICT Accessibility Frequently Asked Questions</a> </li></ul> </nav> </aside> <main class="usa-layout-docs__main desktop:grid-col-9" id="content-section"> <div class="usa-graphic-list"> <p>This guide highlights laws, policies and other regulations requiring federal agencies ensure employees and members of the public with disabilities have access to information comparable to the access available to others. While individuals may benefit from an awareness of all related regulation, each of the guide’s sections suggest where a particular audience may have a responsibility.</p> <h2 id="section-508-of-the-rehabilitation-act-of-1973">Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973</h2> <p>In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. The law <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/section-508-law/">29 U.S.C § 794d</a> applies to all federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Under Section 508, agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information comparable to the access available to others.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.access-board.gov/" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external">U.S. Access Board</a> is responsible for developing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility standards to incorporate into regulations that govern federal procurement practices. On January 18, 2017, the Access Board issued a final rule that updated accessibility requirements covered by Section 508 and refreshed guidelines for telecommunications equipment subject to Section 255 of the Communications Act. The final rule went into effect on January 18, 2018.</p> <p>The rule updated and reorganized the Section 508 Standards and Section 255 Guidelines in response to market trends and innovations in technology. The refresh also harmonized these requirements with other guidelines and standards both in the U.S. and abroad, including standards issued by the European Commission, and with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0), a globally recognized voluntary consensus standard for web content and ICT.</p> <h3 id="section-508-standards">Section 508 Standards</h3> <p><strong>Audience: </strong> Agency Section 508 Program Managers, requirements officials, developers and content creators.</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.access-board.gov/ict/" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Final Standards and Guidelines (2017)</a> - Read the Standards and Guidelines.</li> <li><a href="https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/overview-of-the-final-rule" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">About the Update of the Section 508 Standards and Section 255 Guidelines for Information and Communication Technology</a> - High-level overview</li> <li><a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/quick-reference-guide">Revised Section 508 Standards Transition Guide</a> - An overview of changes your agency needs to make to transition to the Revised 508 Standards.</li> </ul> <h3 id="revised-federal-acquisition-regulation-far">Revised Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)</h3> <p><strong>Audience: </strong> Agency Section 508 Program Managers, procurement executives, contracting officers and representatives, and equivalents.</p> <p><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/08/11/2021-16363/federal-acquisition-regulation-section-508-based-standards-in-information-and-communication" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Federal Acquisition Regulation: Section 508-Based Standards in Information and Communication Technology</a> as published August 11, 2021, includes the following key parts, subparts and sections for requirements and acquisition professionals:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-39.2" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">FAR 39.2 - Information and Communication Technology</a> - Primary accessibility acquisition requirements to ensure federal employees and members of the public have equal access to information.</li> <li><a href="https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-7#FAR_7_103__d416e182" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">FAR 7.103(q) - Acquisition Plans, Agency-head responsibilities</a> - Requires standards be included in requirements planning.</li> <li><a href="https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-7#FAR_7_105__d418e345" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">FAR 7.105(5)(iv) - Contents of written acquisition plans</a> - Specifies documentation of authorized exceptions and exemptions.</li> <li><a href="https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-10#FAR_10_001__d653e163" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">FAR 10.001(a)(3)(ix) - Procedures</a> - Requires agencies to assess the availability of ICT that meets all of the standards.</li> <li><a href="https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-11#FAR_11_002__d659e210" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">FAR 11.002(f) - Policy</a> - Requires, for any component or portion of the product, documentation of the needs of users with disabilities, applicable standards, and where accessibility standards cannot be met due to an exception or exemption.</li> <li><a href="https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-12#FAR_12_202__d709e34" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">FAR 12.202(d) - Market research and description of agency need</a> - Specifies that all accessibility standards be included in requirements document.</li> <li><a href="https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-39#FAR_39_203" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">39.203 Applicability</a> - Specifies requirements for <em>General procurement of ICT</em>, <em>Indefinite-quantity contracts</em>, <em>Task order or delivery order</em>, and <em>Commercial products and commercial services</em>.</li> <li><a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/far-update-comparison">Tabular Comparison of the Previous FAR text against the 2021 Update</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="related-laws">Related Laws</h2> <p><strong>Audience: </strong> Agency Section 508 Program Managers, Web Managers, Human Resources, EEO, and Disability Employment Program Managers, or equivalents.</p> <p>It is important to understand Section 508 in the context of other laws related to federal disability policy. In addition to Section 508, the <a href="https://assets.section508.gov/files/rehabilitation-act-of-1973-amended-by-wioa.pdf" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external">Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (PDF)</a> has the following related sections:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/rehab.cfm" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Section 501</a> - Prohibits federal employers from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities. It requires each federal agency to adopt the goal of having 12% of its workforce be people with disabilities and 2% of its workforce be people with targeted disabilities.</li> <li><a href="http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/sec503.htm" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Section 503</a> - Prohibits employment discrimination based on disability by federal contractors or subcontractors.</li> <li><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2018-title29/pdf/USCODE-2018-title29-chap16-subchapV-sec794.pdf" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Section 504 (PDF)</a> - Prohibits federal agencies, programs, or activities from discriminating and requires reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.</li> <li><a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/rehabilitation-act-1973#:~:text=Section%20501%20prohibits%20employment%20discrimination,and%20505%20follow%20these%20sections" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Section 505</a> - Contains provisions governing remedies and attorneys' fees under Section 501.</li> </ul> <p>Related laws include:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.access-board.gov/ict/" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Section 255 of the Communications Act</a> - Requires telecommunications products and services be accessible to people with disabilities.</li> <li><a href="http://www.ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)</a> - The first major legislative effort to secure an equal playing field for individuals with disabilities.</li> <li><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/105th-congress/senate-bill/2432" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Assistive Technology Act of 1998</a> - Establishes a grant program to provide federal funds to support state programs that address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities.</li> <li><a href="http://www.eac.gov/about_the_eac/help_america_vote_act.aspx" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Help America Vote Act of 2002</a> - Mandates improvements to voting systems and voter access for the nation’s voting process.</li> <li><a href="https://www.fcc.gov/guides/21st-century-communications-and-video-accessibility-act-2010" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010</a> - Requires advanced communications services and products be accessible to people with disabilities.</li> <li><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5759/text" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">21st Century IDEA (Integrated Digital Experience Act) of 2018</a> - Requires all executive branch agencies to modernize their websites, digitize services and forms, and improve customer services.</li> </ul> <h2 id="related-policies">Related Policies</h2> <p><strong>Audience: </strong> Agency leadership, Chief Information Officers, Section 508 Program Managers, Web Managers, Developers, and content creators, or equivalents.</p> <h3 id="executive-orders">Executive Orders</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/06/25/executive-order-on-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-accessibility-in-the-federal-workforce/" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/12/13/executive-order-on-transforming-federal-customer-experience-and-service-delivery-to-rebuild-trust-in-government/" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="office-of-management-and-budget-omb-memos">Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memos</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/ofcio/delivering-a-digital-first-public-experience/" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">OMB M-23-22 - Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience (PDF)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/ofcio/m-24-08-strengthening-digital-accessibility-and-the-management-of-section-508-of-the-rehabilitation-act/" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">OMB M-24-08 - Strengthening Digital Accessibility and the Management of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act</a></li> <li><a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/procurement/memo/strategic-plan-508-compliance.pdf" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Strategic Plan for Improving Management of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 2013 (PDF)</a></li>  <li><a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/memoranda/2016/m_16_20.pdf" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">M-16-20 Category Management Policy 16-3: Improving the Acquisition and Management of Common Information Technology: Mobile Devices and Services (PDF)</a></li> <li><a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/memoranda/2013/m-13-13.pdf" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">M-13-13 - Open Data Policy - Managing Information as an Asset (PDF)</a></li> <li><a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/procurement_memo/improving_accessibility_gov_info_07192010.pdf" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">OMB Improving the Accessibility of Government Information (PDF) - July 2010</a></li> <li><a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/omb/procurement_index_508/" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Office of Federal Procurement Policy 508 Compliance</a></li> <li><a href="https://assets.section508.gov/files/ombNews_February_2011.doc" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">2011 Notes from Daniel I. Gordon, Federal Procurement Policy Administrator</a></li> <li><a href="https://assets.section508.gov/files/improving_accessibility_gov_info_07192010_5B1_5D.doc" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">2010 OMB Memorandum for the Chief Acquisition Officers and Chief Information Officers (DOC)</a></li> <li><a href="https://assets.section508.gov/files/2007_OMB_Memo_to_Agency_CAOs_and_CIOs.doc" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">2007 OMB Memorandum for the Chief Acquisition Officers and Chief Information Officers (DOC)</a></li> <li><a href="https://assets.section508.gov/files/Memo_Safavian-Evans.doc" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">2005 OMB Memorandum for the Chief Acquisition Officers and Chief Information Officers (DOC)</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="equal-employment-opportunity-commission-eeoc">Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/accommodation_procedures.html" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">EEOC Policy Guidance On Executive Order 13164: Establishing Procedures To Facilitate The Provision Of Reasonable Accommodation - October 2000</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/practical-advice-drafting-and-implementing-reasonable-accommodation-procedures-under" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Practical Advice for Drafting and Implementing Reasonable Accommodation Procedures Under Executive Order 13164 - July 2005</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="state-and-international">State and International</h3> <ul> <li><a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/state">State Policy</a> - States' legislation requiring electronic and information technology accessibility</li> <li><a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/international">International Harmonization</a> - Other government-supported efforts around the world working on a "standards approach" to encuring ICT accessibility.</li> <li><a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/policies/" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Web Accessibility Laws & Policies</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="agency-policies">Agency Policies</h2> <p><strong>Audience: </strong> Agency Section 508 Program Managers, Human Resources, EEO, and Disability Employment Program Managers, or equivalents, or equivalents.</p> <p>Agencies should periodically review and update their Sections 508, 501, and 504 policies. Your agency’s policies on how to implement each section of the Rehabilitation Act should be closely aligned to clarify responsibilities and determine how to respond to claims of discrimination on the basis of disability.</p> <p>Your agency’s policies should include that your agency is obligated to:</p> <ul> <li>Make Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessible to people with disabilities.</li> <li>Accommodate the needs of employees and program participants, while meeting the Revised Section 508 requirements.</li> </ul> <p>Learn how to maintain your agency’s policies through the links below:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/update-agency-policies/">Updating Agency Accessibility Policy</a></li> <li><a href="/manage/policy-framework/introduction/">IT Accessibility Policy Framework</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="workforce-policies">Workforce Policies</h3> <p><strong>Audience: </strong> Agency leadership, Section 508 Program Managers, Human Resources, EEO, and Disability Employment Program Managers, or equivalents.</p> <p>In addition to accessibility-related policies, other agency policies often require the development or use of specific ICT by the agency’s workforce. In order for an agency’s accessibility effort to be successful, employees and organizations must integrate accessibility into outcomes. In addition, other policies should be reviewed and updated to ensure that accessibility adequately addresses individual and organizational <a href="/manage/roles/">roles & responsibilities</a> including:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/manage/roles/#management">Agency Program Management</a></li> <li><a href="/manage/roles/#stakeholders">Key Agency Stakeholders</a></li> <li><a href="/manage/roles/#reporting">Reporting</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="sample-policies">Sample Policies</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/375-dm-8_0.pdf" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Example: Department of the Interior (DOI) (PDF)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.epa.gov/irmpoli8/section-508-policy-and-procedures" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Example: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.opm.gov/information-management/accessibility/OPMSection508Policy2021.pdf" target="_blank" class="usa-link--external text-top">Example: Office of Personnel Management (OPM) (PDF)</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="accessibility-statements">Accessibility Statements</h3> <p>For information and examples on creating an accessibility statement in accordance with OMB requirements, see <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/website-accessibility-statement/">Developing a Website Accessibility Statement</a>.</p> <p><strong>Reviewed/Updated:</strong> May 2024</p> </div> <div class="margin-bottom-05"> <strong>Contributing Organizations</strong> <ul class="margin-top-05 padding-left-1" style="list-style-type:none"> <li class="margin-bottom-1"> <img src="https://assets.section508.gov/files/images/seals-logos/usab.jpg" height="48px" alt="Photo: U.S. Access Board" style="vertical-align:middle"> <a href="/contributors/usab.html" class="margin-left-1"> U.S. Access Board</a> </li> </ul> </div> </main> </div> </div> </div> <footer class="usa-footer__primary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap 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IT Accessibility Laws and Policies | Section508.gov