On March 31, 2000, the Access Board will publish proposed standards for electronic and information technology that will be available for public comment for 60 days. The standards cover various means for disseminating information, including computers, software, and electronic office equipment in the Federal sector. They are being developed under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 which requires access to the Federal government’s electronic and information technology. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Federal agencies must ensure that this technology is accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities to the extent it does not pose an “undue burden.” The standards, when finalized, will become part of the Federal government’s procurement regulations.

The standards define the types of technology covered and lay out the minimum level of access required. The proposal provides technical criteria specific to various types of technologies and performance-based requirements, which focus on the functional capabilities of covered technologies. This dual approach recognizes the dynamic and continually evolving nature of the technology involved as well as the need for clear and specific standards to facilitate compliance. Also covered is compatibility with adaptive equipment people with disabilities commonly use for information and communication access. The standards are based on recommendations from an advisory committee the Board established for this purpose. The Electronic and Information Technology Access Advisory Committee, which contained 27 members representing industry, various disability organizations, and other groups with an interest in the issues to be addressed, submitted its report to the Board in May 1999.

The Board seeks information and comment on various issues through questions it has posed in a discussion provided in the proposed rule. The deadline for comments is May 30, 2000. Comments can be submitted by e-mail, mail, or fax as instructed in the proposal. E-mail comments should be sent to section508nprm@access-board.gov and must include the sender’s name and address in the text to receive consideration. Comments will be available for inspection at the Board’s offices during regular business hours.

After the comment period, the Board will review the comments received, revise the standards as necessary, and republish them in final form in the Federal Register. The final standards, which will be incorporated into the Federal Acquisition Regulations, will help Federal agencies determine whether or not a technology product or system is accessible.

The standards are posted on the Board’s web site at http://www.access-board.gov/rules/508nprm.htm. Copies can be ordered by calling the Board at (800) 872-2253 (voice) or (800) 993-2822 (TTY) and pressing “2" for publications, and requesting publication S-38, the proposed standards for electronic and information technology.