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Accessibility
We are committed to making our website as accessible as possible to all users, without regard to disabilities, and to comply with all relevant laws and regulations. If you need assistance—due to a disability—to access a page on our website, you may email us at aclinfo@acl.hhs.gov or call 202-619-0724 and we will assist you by providing the information in a more accessible alternate format suitable to your needs. Please be sure to have available the url (web address) of the page where you are having difficulty.
If you require the use of a Relay Service, please call the Federal Relay Services at 1-800-877-8339. This is a toll free relay service to call federal agencies from TTY devices.
Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments 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 it is the category that is explicitly enforceable by legal action. Procurement awards made on or after June 25, 2001, is subject to Section 508 (see FAR Final Rule, PDF).
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), 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.