U.S. Food and Drug Administration • Center for Drug Evaluation
and Research |
U.S. Food and Drug Administration • Center for Drug Evaluation
and Research |
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Alternative Web Access for Individuals with Disabilities |
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Alternative Web Access for Individuals with DisabilitiesAccording to the Access Board (an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities), the Section 508 requirements do not apply retroactively to Web pages, software and hardware that were already in place before June 21, 2001. However, Federal agencies are required, upon request, to provide information and data to individuals with disabilities through an alternative means of access. If you would like assistance in getting alternative access to data on the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDER) Web site, please contact CDER's Web Help staff by filling in the Web Comment Form. You may also call the Department of Health and Human Services for assistance at the following two numbers:
The following paragraphs contain more detailed information about regulations having to
do with accessibility of electronic and information technology. 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 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 pre-existing 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." 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. FDA/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research |
