Since issuing its standards for electronic and information technology under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Board has maintained a program of continuing on-line guidance and training on compliance with the standards. The section 508 standards cover various means of disseminating information, including computers, software, websites, and electronic office equipment.  Federal agencies must ensure that the technologies they procure are accessible according to the standards. 

The Board recently released an on-line guide on provisions in the standards for telecommunications products.  These provisions are designed primarily to ensure access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and address compatibility with hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, and TTYs (devices that provide access to telephones for persons with hearing or speech impairments).  Specifications address adjustable volume controls for output, TTY connections, product interface with hearing technologies, and the usability of keys and controls. The new guide explains these provisions in detail and clarifies how they can be met.  Similar information on developing accessible software was posted previously on the Board's site.

The information from this guide will serve as the basis for an upcoming web-based tutorial. This course will be the last installment in a series of tutorials on the 508 standards which is available free through the Federal Information Technology Accessibility Initiative’s “508 Universe” program at www.section508.gov. The program includes existing tutorials on other sections of the 508 standards, as well as a user-friendly introduction to the law and information on buying compliant products.

For additional resources, visit the Board's section 508 page.

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