Federal regulations governing accessible Web content resulted from The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, which included The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and stemmed from The Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Section 508 contains regulations for information technology. These regulations have been issued in publication S-40, Electronic Information Technology Accessibility Standards; Final Rule. This document states that “when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, they shall ensure that the electronic and information technology allows Federal employees with disabilities to have access to, and use of information and data, by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden[2] would be imposed on the agency.”[3]
Section 508 addresses accessibility for electronic and information technology. Under Section 508, there are several subparts:
Subpart B contains §1194.22, the section that addresses standards for Web-based intranet and Internet information and applications.
Subpart B - Technical Standards in its entirety contains the following subsections:
§1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems[4]
§1194.22 Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications
§1194.23 Telecommunications Products
§1194.24 Video and Multimedia Products
§1194.25 Self Contained, Closed Products
§1194.26 Desktop and Portable Computers
To get a copy of publication S-40 Electronic Information Technology Accessibility Standards; Final Rule, contact the Access Board’s automated publications order line. Dial (202) 272-5435, press 2 on the telephone keypad, and then press 1. Request publication S-40, Electronic Information Technology Accessibility Standards; Final Rule.
If you use a TTY, call (202) 272-5449. Record the name, address, and telephone number of the person requesting publication S-40, Electronic Information Technology Accessibility Standards; Final Rule.
Copies are available in alternative formats including cassette tape, Braille, large print, or computer disk.
The publication is also available on the Internet at:
http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm
The W3Câ’s Web accessibility initiative group (WAI) pursues accessibility of the Web through five primary areas of work:
For more information on the W3C visit their Web site at:
From here you can find accessibility news and all associated Web accessibility information, standards, and efforts available from the W3C’s Accessibility group.
Section 508 requires that federally maintained Web sites and intranets be in compliance with the standards after June 25, 2001. If you are uncertain as to whether or not your organization is required by law to comply with accessibility standards, contact the Access Board or visit http://www.access-board.gov.