Falls has worked at USDA since 1990. Va. GCN staff writer Tony Lee Orr interviewed Falls at her office at USDA headquarters. When looking at old information systems, a department must incorporate accessibility with the design of procurement and system upgrades. If accessibility is not taken into account, then the agency has to backtrack, which can add cost. Without standards in place, a department is best served by learning the concepts of accessibility, training their employees and preparing for more tools to be delivered by 508 technical assistance organizations.
Assistive technology increases the independence and productivity of people with disabilities.
People with disabilities, as key players on the government s team, contribute toward the common mission like all other employees. The President s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities has worked for years to highlight capabilities rather than disabilities. Assistive technology, and information technology in general, is removing a major barrier to having managers recruit, hire and retain individuals with disabilities. The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities has had student interns working across government this summer. Through creative accommodation programs, and 508 training and implementation initiatives, the Information Age is becoming more accessible to people with disabilities.