Department of Health and Human Services

 

 

 

 

 
 

Accessibility

The Prevention Communication Research Database (PCRD) is a free resource for finding high-quality audience research studies conducted or sponsored by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies.

Alternative Access to Web Documents

The reports contained in PCRD are funded by HHS agencies and reside with those organizations. If you wish to request information in an alternative format pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact the sponsoring organization listed as part of each item in any PCRD search results page.

If you need help identifying or contacting the sponsoring organization:

  • Send an e-mail to pcrd@osophs.dhhs.gov.
     
  • Write to the PCRD Administrator at the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite LL100, Rockville, MD 20852.
     
  • See the Web Accessibility Statement.
     

Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements

Section 508 requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology (EIT), Federal employees with disabilities have comparable access to and use of information and data as Federal employees who have no disabilities unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, have comparable access to and use of information and data as members of the public without disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

Although Federal agencies have an explicit statutory obligation to make all EIT that they develop, maintain, or use compliant with Section 508, the current emphasis is on newly procured EIT because it is the category that is explicitly enforceable by legal action. Procurement awards made on or after June 25, 2001, are subject to Section 508 (see FAR Final Rule).

According to the Access Board, the Section 508 requirements do not apply retroactively to preexisting EIT. Specifically, the “Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards: Economic Assessment” states that

The standards are to be applied prospectively and do not require Federal agencies to retrofit existing electronic and information technology. As agencies upgrade and change their electronic and information technology, they must comply with the standards. (See Chapter 2.1. Final Standards)

It should be noted, however, that other Federal regulations and guidelines (e.g., Section 501 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) require equal access for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, Federal agencies are required, upon request, to provide information and data to individuals with disabilities through an alternative means of access that can be used by the individuals.

 

Accessibility | Disclaimer | Freedom of Information Act | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Admin