Accessibility Bytes: Introduction
Ever wonder what Section 508 is and why it’s so important? Or what you can do to ensure your work is “accessible?”
Accessibility Bytes is a new series from the team that brings you Section508.gov to share quick tips you can use to improve the accessibility of the information, communications, and technology you create for federal employees and members of the public.
GSA Issues Report to Congress Highlighting Need for Improvement in Federal Government Section 508 Compliance
The General Services Administration (GSA) just released a report on the current state of federal Section 508 compliance. The report, the FY23 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment, evaluates reporting entities’ adherence to the criteria established by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in coordination with GSA, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and the U.S. Access Board (USAB). The report provides a baseline and recommendations for strengthening compliance initiatives and enhancing Section 508 activities across the federal government.
OMB Issues Guidance on Strengthening Digital Accessibility and the Management of Section 508
On December 21, 2023, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released M-24-08 Strengthening Digital Accessibility and the Management of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. This guidance establishes the required leadership, goals, and renewed focus to improve digital accessibility across the federal government.
Navigating Section 752: Insights from Program Managers on Success, Challenges, and Tools for Change
The level of detail in the Section 508 Assessment questionnaire criteria certainly came as a surprise to many of us. However, we quickly learned how it would help us understand our program’s maturity and make recommendations to program managers on areas they can improve. This and other insights from a Program Manager after navigating the annual Section 508 Assessment.
Accessibility Risk Management and Risk Model for Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Risk management is a process which allows your organization to identify, assess, and prioritize risk to their objectives. In this case, the risk is specifically your organization’s accessible ICT portfolio. Risk management processes help decision makers understand and evaluate risk factors and assess the impact of those risks, if realized, to inform decision making and develop ways to minimize risk.
Fostering Digital Inclusion in the Federal Workplace: How Persons with Disabilities Use ICT
Detailed and heavily researched content article that details how persons with disabilities use ICT and the impacts on federal employees of conformance or non-conformance to ICT standards for those employees with disabilties.
A Digital Accessibility Catalyst for Your Next Policy Refresh: Introducing The IT Accessibility Policy Framework
The GSA Government-wide IT Accessibility Program publishes the IT Accessibility Policy Framework; guidance on how to ensure your policies include the correct accessibility information. The Framework allows IT accessibility professionals to assess agency policies for thier importance to IT Accessibility and the sufficiency of IT accessibility information. Combined, these two factors provide users with the ability to prioritize which documents they should remediate and in which order.
FAR Updated to Add Revised Section 508 Standards for Information and Communication Technology
On January 18, 2017, the U.S. Access Board issued a final rule (the “Revised 508 Standards”) that updated accessibility requirements covered by Section 508 for Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Read more about the final FAR rule update and changes effective as of September 10, 2021.
Executive Guide to Federal IT Accessibility Released
The federal government strives to deliver a level of service comparable to that of the best private sector organizations. As more government services move online, we have a responsibility to ensure equal access to services, particularly for people living with a disability.
Barriers to Accessibility: Stories from Our Community
A first-hand account of the consequences of inaccessibility.
Compliance or Conformance?
You've likely heard the terms "compliance" and "conformance" when people talk about IT accessibility. What's the difference?
Section508.gov Gets a Facelift!
The newly redesigned Section508.gov website is now live! We analyzed site usage and search data, as well as feedback from our user testing initiative, to develop the new look & feel.
Revised 508 Standards, Safe Harbor and FAR Update
Over the past year, federal agencies have been working to transition to the Revised 508 Standards, and the FAR Council is working on regulatory updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
Watch the Video! New Requirements: Section 508 Refresh
The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Architectural Barriers Act, and the Rehabilitation Act collectively make the ins and outs of everyday life more accessible for people with disabilities.
Accessibility News: The Section 508 Update
In January 2017, the U.S. Access Board published a final rule updating accessibility requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Section 508 Transition Activities Update
Here are some updates on the Section 508 Transition Activities underway to centralize guidance, avoid duplication, and streamline the transition to the revised standards.
OMB 508 Agency Report for August
As a reminder, the biannual OMB Agency 508 Reports are due on August 30, 2017 to feedback@cio.gov
e-Recruiting and Accessibility
In today’s competitive job market, it’s important to recruit from a large and strong candidate pool.
New Section 508 Rule: Transition Assistance is Coming
The United States Access Board has refreshed Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
NEW: Access Board Updates Requirements for Information and Communication Technology
Tim Cregan of the Access Board reports that the Access Board has released a final rule that updates accessibility requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) in the federal sector covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
