Put your agency information here Section508 - Overview Put your agency information here Section508 – Overview

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act December 2000 amendment to Section 508 sets forth a definition of Electronic & Information Technology (EIT) Enacted to: Eliminate barriers to information technology New opportunities for persons with disabilities Encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals Section 508 mandated GSA and the Access Board to provide technical assistance to the Federal Government Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act December 2000 amendment to Section 508 required Federal agencies to make EIT accessible Enacted to: Eliminate barriers in information technology Make available new opportunities for people with disabilities Encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals Section 508 mandated GSA and the Access Board to provide technical assistance on the requirements of the law to Federal departments and agencies

Who and What does Section 508 Apply To? Who - Section 508 applies to all Federal Departments and Agencies and the US Postal Service What - All EIT that is “procured, maintained, developed, or used” Section 508 applies to ALL EIT contract vehicles and procurement actions, including micro-purchases. Who and What does Section 508 Apply To? Who - Section 508 applies to all Federal Departments and Agencies and the US Postal Service What - All EIT that is “procured, maintained, developed, or used” Section 508 applies to ALL EIT contract vehicles and procurement actions, including micro-purchases.

The Human Side – Why Section 508 Matters Section 508 is about doing the right thing to provide equal access to information technology for Federal employees and members of the public. A blind employee can rely on assistive technology, as well as accessible web applications to do his job. Section 508 benefits Service Disabled Veterans who are entering the Federal workforce in record numbers by providing job opportunities with accessible environments Section 508 benefits persons with disabilities who work for or are seeking employment with the Federal government by providing an accessible workplace The Human Side – Why Section 508 Matters Section 508 is about doing the right thing to provide equal access to information for Federal employees and members of the public. A blind employee can rely on assistive technology, as well as accessible web applications to do his job. Section 508 benefits Service Disabled Veterans who are entering the Federal workforce in record numbers by providing job opportunities with accessible environments Section 508 benefits persons with disabilities who work for or are seeking employment with the Federal government by providing an accessible workplace

Why is Accessibility Important? More then a billion people are estimated to live with some form of disability, with is about 15% of the worlds population. The number of people with disabilities is growing as national populations grow older and global chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, increase. People are working longer so the chance of having a disability in the workplace is increasing Using digital technologies can be a problem no just for the visually impaired but a much wider section of the community. Hearing impairment, dementia, arthritis, attention deficit disorder, and dyslexia are just some of the conditions that can make it hard for people to utilize the Web. By making websites and digital technologies accessible, we help to create an inclusive environment for people with a disability. Accessible websites enable people to make independent decisions, and provide greater opportunity for participation, interaction, education and employment. Why is Accessibility Important? More then a billion people are estimated to live with some form of disability, with is about 15% of the worlds population. The number of people with disabilities is growing as national populations grow older and global chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, increase. People are working longer so the chance of having a disability in the workplace is increasing Using digital technologies can be a problem no just for the visually impaired but a much wider section of the community. Hearing impairment, dementia, arthritis, attention deficit disorder, and dyslexia are just some of the conditions that can make it hard for people to utilize the Web. By making websites and digital technologies accessible, we help to create an inclusive environment for people with a disability. Accessible websites enable people to make independent decisions, and provide greater opportunity for participation, interaction, education and employment. 5

Why is Accessibility Important? There have been lawsuits filed against Federal government agencies for non compliance and non conformance. The cost of noncompliance or nonconformance is exposure to lawsuits The cost of compliance is minimal if you incorporate it into your agency policy and procedures. Legal responsibility for compliance resides with your agency, not with the vendor! Why is Section 508 Important? There have been lawsuits filed against Federal government agencies and the refreshed standard will present new challenges, which could result in more lawsuits if your agency does not comply. The cost of noncompliance is exposure to lawsuits The cost of compliance is minimal if you incorporate it in to your agency policy and procedures. It’s easy and it’s free and we will show you how we can assist your agency. Legal responsibility for compliance resides with your agency, not with the vendor.

You are at Risk Lawsuits are becoming more common - according to a 2012 DoJ report, since 2001, 140 administrative complaints and 7 civil actions had been filed against Agencies over Section 508. Since then new lawsuits have been filed It is not just lawsuits - for the past 10 years, “people have often used arbitration to enforce the provision in cases filed through unions and other organizations. Some arbitration cases result in large fines, which agencies must pay” - FCW, Jan 22, 2007 Failing to specify 508 technical requirements in your procurement, and not developing to the standard from the beginning of the process, or accepting a partially compliant or non-compliant product can lead to remediation costing a lot of money. No Undue Burden Exceptions! - The DoJ Office of Civil Rights has stated that even significant expense does not constitute an Undue Burden if it can be proven that the cost of complying could have been reduced by planning for accessibility from the outset. You are at Risk Lawsuits are becoming more common, not less - according to a 2012 DoJ report, since 2001, 140 administrative complaints and 7 civil actions had been filed against Agencies over Section 508. Since then new lawsuits have been filed Failing to specify 508 technical requirements in your procurement, and not developing to the standard from the beginning of the process, or accepting a partially compliant or non-compliant product can lead to remediation costing millions. No Undue Burden Exceptions! - The Office of Civil Rights has stated that even significant expense does not constitute an Undue Burden if it can be proven that the cost of complying could have been reduced by planning for accessibility from the outset. It is not just lawsuits - for the past 10 years, “people have often used arbitration to enforce the provision in cases filed through unions and other organizations. Some arbitration cases result in large fines, which agencies must pay” - FCW, Jan 22, 2007

The Bottom Line Section 508 affects all EIT that is “developed, procured, maintained or used” by the Federal government Not recognizing our responsibility for Section 508 in today’s environment is not a good business decision. There are agencies who have moved from minimal compliance to 90 -100% compliance. Federal government is the leader in promoting the hiring and accommodating of persons with disabilities. Virtual and mobile workplaces present new requirements and challenges Watchdog organizations, advocacy groups, and unions have successfully filed lawsuits or arbitration cases. With the refreshed standards there will be new challenges. Implementation Training Collaboration The Bottom Line The days of not recognizing your responsibility for Section 508 compliance are over. To marginalize Section 508 in today’s climate is not a good business decision. Major agencies are moving towards full compliance: DCMA has moved from near zero full compliance on sampled solicitations in 2012, to near 100% in 2014 DoDEA has moved from near zero full compliance on sampled solicitations in 2011, to near 100% in 2014 DLA has moved from near zero full compliance on sampled solicitations in 2011, to over 80% in 2014 Watchdog organizations, advocacy groups, and unions have successfully concluded multiple lawsuits or arbitration cases. They are comfortable with the process and “know the ropes.” With the new standards they will initiate many new actions to force the Government to obey its own laws, and experts consider these lawsuits to be a “slam dunk” for success.

GSA Provides Solutions Online tools and resources on BuyAccessible.gov (BuyAccessible Wizard & Quick Links) www.section508.gov Section 508 training - classroom and virtually Section 508 compliance consulting Solicitation Assessments Procurement Assistance Community building Section 508 Coordinators Network Collaboration GSA Provides Solutions Online tools and resources on BuyAccessible.gov (BuyAccessible Wizard & Quick Links) www.section508.gov Section 508 training - classroom and virtually Section 508 compliance consulting Solicitation Assessments Procurement Assistance Community building Collaboration

YOU have a vested interest Why Enforce the Law? It’s the right thing to do An agency can be sued YOU have a vested interest Why Enforce the Law? It’s the right thing to do An agency can be sued YOU have a vested interest

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