Library of Resources
This page contains information on links and places where you can find out more about 508. New: Accessibility bookmarklets are free tools which help evaluate the accessibility of webpages.
Organizations & Links
Access Board
http://www.access-board.gov
The Access Board is an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. It operates with about 30 staff and a governing board of representatives from Federal departments and public members appointed by the President.
Key responsibilities of the Board include:
• Developing and maintaining accessibility requirements for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and for electronic and information technology
• Providing technical assistance and training on these guidelines and standards
• Enforcing accessibility standards for federally funded facilities.
Federal IT Accessibility Initiative (FITAI)
http://www.section508.gov
The Federal Information Technology Accessibility Initiative (FITAI) is an interagency effort, coordinated by the General Services Administration, to offer technical assistance and to provide an informal means of cooperation and sharing of information on implementation of Section 508. Here you can find information on the laws and regulations, current hot topics, policy and guidance, training and the FITAI membership directory. The government agencies, their rules and regulations, and sometimes their sheer numbers make for a daunting experience for many first timers. Here’s where you can find help focusing on what matters, and then discovering the info you need to move forward.
CITA – Center for Information Technology Accommodation
http://www.itpolicy.gsa.gov/cita/index.htm
U.S. General Services Administration, Office of Government-wide Policy. Established in 1984, the General Services Administration’s Center for IT Accommodation (CITA) is nationally recognized as a model demonstration facility for instituting accessible information environments, services and management practices.
World Wide Web Consortium – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0
http://www.w3.org
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) develops interoperable technologies (specifications, guidelines, software, and tools) to lead the Web to its full potential as a forum for information, commerce, communication, and collective understanding. Search consultants at TNG/Earthling provided tech support and a customized cms to assist in posting content and links.
ACM SIGCAPH – Special Interest Group on Computers and the Physically Handicapped
http://www.acm.org
The ACM Special Interest Group on Computers and the Physically Handicapped promotes the professional interests of computing personnel with physical disabilities and the application of computing and information technology in solving relevant disability problems. The SIG also strives to educate the public to support careers for the disabled. The information age brings with it many opportunities to work from home, which opens doors for many of our handicapped.
HTML Writers Guild’s AWARE Site
http://aware.hwg.org
AWARE stands for Accessible Web Authoring Resources and Education. AWARE’s mission is to serve as a central resource for web authors for learning about web accessibility. A must if you’re a Luddite or a newbie to the web. Also a must if you just bought your first computer.
Useful Info On The Web
Achieving Section 508 Compliance
(What is 508? Who must comply? Who can pursue 508 legal action?)
http://www.infoworld.com/articles/ca/xml/01/01/15/010115calist.xml
Information Regarding Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
(The basics.)
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http://www.opendoorworld.com/rehab_act_s_508.htm
An Overview of Law & Policy for IT Accessibility – A Resource for State and Municipal IT Policy Makers
(The need for accessibility and the impact of 508.)
http://www.icdri.org/an_overview_of_law_.htm
Department of Justice Section 508 Home Page
(Detailed listings of elements for 508 compliance.)
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/508/508home.html
Making Government Services Accessible
(Why 508 is important and ways in which organizations can comply.)
http://industryclick.com/magazinearticle.asp?magazineid=115&releaseid=4753&magazinearticleid=56701&siteid=17
Web Accessibility Ripples Through IT
(Details the case for compliance, market size, and how compliance is simply good business.)
http://www.internetweek.com/newslead01/lead021201.htm
Industry Tackles 508 Regulations
(Explains how businesses are approaching 508.)
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2000/0605/news-508-06-05-00.asp
Here Comes Section 508 – Like It or Not
(BusinessWeek article on how some businesses see threats while others see opportunities.)
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/june2000/nf00607a.htm
The Web, Accessibility and “Undue Burden”
(If compliance poses an “undue burden”.)
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2000/0612/web-dotgov-06-15-00.asp
Interview Extract with Doug Wakefield, Accessibility Specialist at the U.S. Access Board.
http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/w3c-wai-ig/2001JanMar/0159.html
If you are a member of the press who would like more information or if you would like to help us educate more organizations about the needs of everyone, please contact us at [email protected].
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