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. The 1998 legislation provided a timetable for implementation of Section 508 and established an enforcement procedure. The Access Board is required to develop access standards that will become part of the Federal procurement regulations. The website is an interagency effort, coordinated by GSA, the Access Board, the Department of Education, the Department of Justice, the Social Security Administration, and the Office of Management and Budget. Current features include links to statutory and proposed regulatory texts, information about training and other program opportunities, a calendar of events, tools to check accessibility of websites, and relevant materials from agencies and the private sector.
Individuals can register online for training.
The website will include interactive features for users to share problems, solutions, and news about Section 508 issues. Outreach Outreach efforts are directed toward making affected audiences aware of the requirements of Section 508 and the available opportunities for training and sharing information to reach the goal of accessibility. Key projects include displays and seminars at major information technology conferences and other events. A network of cooperating agencies will help identify opportunities to publicize the issues and the available resources. The Conference theme will be implementation of Section 508, offering three tracks on procurement, information technology, and policy.