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Accessibility

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Accessibility

For Alternative Access to Web Documents:

Contact OD-EO-OIT at, odoitweb@od.nih.gov. We will provide the information to you in an alternate format during our normal business hours.

OR

Contact the individual listed on the preceding web page in the "Contact Us" or "Comments" or a "Feedback" hot link. This individual is responsible for this specific web page and will be able to assist you with any alternate format request you may have.

Note: Please be as specific as possible when describing the information you seek. Also, please indicate the information format that you need (Word, Excel, etc.).

For NIH employees who need help with accessibility issues--please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer in your Institute.

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 that category 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."
(See Chapter 2.1 Final Standards)

It should be noted, however, that other Federal regulations and guidelines (e.g., Section 501 and Section 504 (PDF Document, 2 pages) 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.

 

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Return to the top This Page Last Reviewed on December 30, 2011