DOJ Report on Government Information Technology
==================================================
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CR
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2000
(202) 514-2007
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
TDD (202) 514-1888


JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES FINDINGS OF SURVEY OF ACCESSIBILITY OF FEDERAL
                     GOVERNMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY


"Making technology accessible to people with disabilities is the right
thing to do," stated Ms. Reno.


                    THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE'S REPORT

Under the Department's direction, agencies examined the procurement
policies and procedures, along with common types of information technology
including: software, Web pages,    information kiosks and other
"information transaction machines," electronic office equipment such as
copiers, fax machines, and printers, and telecommunications products and
systems.

Starting in August 2001, the Department will issue reports regarding the
accessibility to persons with disabilities of federal information technology
every two years to the President and Congress.

These future reports will also track the resolution of complaints filed
against agencies.

                                  THE LAW

Section 508 requires federal agencies to procure, develop, maintain, and
use electronic and information technology that is accessible to people with
disabilities, unless it would be an undue burden to do so.  It does not
directly regulate the private sector.

The law covers all types of electronic and information technology in the
Federal sector and is not limited to assistive technologies used by people
with disabilities. It applies to all Federal agencies when they develop,
procure, maintain, or use such technology. Federal agencies must ensure
that this technology is accessible to employees and the public to the
extent it does not pose an "undue burden."  National security systems are
exempt.

Built-in assistive technology is not required where it is not needed.  For
example, workstations of nondisabled employees are not required to be
equipped with Braille displays and printers.  On the other hand, networked
computer systems, hardware, and software, should be compatible with Braille
systems and printers, so that if an employee needs them, he can use the
same shared systems that other employees use.

Section 508 does not require federal contractors to make their own Internet
sites accessible to people with disabilities, but it does require federal
agencies' Internet sites to be accessible, even when they are designed and
maintained by a private contractor.

Beginning on August 7, 2000, Federal employees and members of the public
with disabilities may file administrative complaints or suit in federal
district court for alleged violations of section 508.
==========================================

http://www.opendoorworld.com/doj_508_4-18-00.htm

 Subscribe: at-group-subscribe@eGroups.com
 Unsubscribe:  at-group-unsubscribe@eGroups.com




 ________________________________________________________
 Assistive Technology -- Opening Doors to the World . . .
 http://www.OpenDoorWorld.com
 =--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-=






  have several nice days . . . .

Check the URL below to enter your institutions
Web page in EASI's Barrier-free Web Contest
http://www.rit.edu/~easi