For Alternative Access
to Web Documents:
Contact
OD-EO-OIT at, [email protected]. We
will provide the information to you in an alternate format during our normal
business hours.
OR
Contact
the individual listed on the preceding web page in the "Contact Us"
or "Comments" or a "Feedback" hot link. This individual
is responsible for this specific web page and will be able to assist you with
any alternate format request you may have.
Note:
Please be as specific as possible when describing the information you
seek. Also, please indicate the
information format that you need (Word, Excel, etc.). For N I H employees who need help with accessibility
issues--please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer in your
Institute.
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 that category 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.