Section 508 ensures that federal employees and members of the public with disabilities have access to and use of information and data, comparable to that of employees and members of the public without disabilities unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. It was originally added to the Rehabilitation Act of 1986, which established guidelines for technology accessibility. In 1998, Section 508 was amended to require that any electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained or used by federal departments and agencies that develop, procure, maintain, or use E&IT (Electronic & Information Technology). These standards provide technical criteria specific to various types of technology and performance-based requirements, which focus on the functional capabilities of covered technologies. Specific criteria cover software applications and operating systems; web-based information or applications; telecommunications; video or multi-media products; self contained: closed products such as information kiosks and transaction machines, and desktop and portable items. Also covered is TTY compatibility and communication access. For more information visit the Access-Board.
The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council(s) agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Subsection 508(a)(3) requires the FAR to be revised to incorporate standards developed by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board). The Access Board published the final standards in the Federal Register at 65 FR 80500, December 21, 2000. The date for the Final FAR rules went into effect June 25, 2001.
A proposed rule amending the FAR was published in the Federal Register at 66 FR 7166, January 22, 2001 and the 60-day comment period ended March 23, 2001. FINAL FAR RULING – 48 CFR Parts, 2,7,10,11,12, and 39 [FAC 97-27; FAR Case 1999-607]
