Issued December 21, 2000 by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board), these new standards require that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, Federal employees and members of the public with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by individuals who are not disabled. The new standards provide technical criteria specific to various types of technologies and performance-based requirements, which focus on the functional capabilities of covered technologies. Specific criteria cover software applications and operating systems; web-based information or applications; telecommunications functions; video or multi-media products; self contained, closed products such as information kiosks and transaction machines, and computers. Also covered is compatibility with adaptive equipment people with disabilities commonly use for information and communication access.

Development of the standards was mandated by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.Section 508 uses the Federal procurement process to ensure that technology acquired by the Federal government is accessible. The Federal Acquisition Regulations will be updated to reflect this. The enforcement provisions of Section 508 are effective as of June 21, 2001.

Accessibility Standards (Excerpted)

Access Board Documents - Full Text

	Final Standards
	Summary of the Standards
	Regulatory Assessment
	Frequently Asked Questions
	Background
	Related Websites on Communication and Information Technology and Disability Related Organizations