Demystifying Section 508 IT Accessibility in Industry Outreach Program
Explore the importance of Section 508 IT accessibility in the federal government, emphasizing the need for accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for all users. Learn about the key aspects of Section 508, its impact on workforce diversity and organizational success, and why industry and government collaboration is crucial for advancing accessibility. Discover the benefits of inclusive technology for employees, organizations, and customers, encouraging a more inclusive and equitable digital environment.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Industry Outreach: Demystifying Section 508 IT Accessibility June 14, 2022 Betsy Sirk Chairperson, Federal CIO Council Accessibility Community of Practice Industry Outreach Program Chairperson, NASA Section 508 Program Manager Working Group Email: Betsy.Sirk@NASA.gov Antonio Haileselassie Federal CIO Council Accessibility Community of Practice Industry Outreach Program NASA Information Technology Accessibility Specialist Email: Antonio.O.Haileselassie@NASA.gov
Agenda Agenda Section 508 Introduction Why Section 508 Matters Acquisition Overview Walkthrough of the Guide: Demystifying Section 508 Resources Q & A 2
Section 508 Introduction Section 508 Introduction Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that Federal agencies make Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessible to all its employees and members of the public regardless of disability IT/ICT defined as any equipment, interconnected system, or subsystem of equipment used in the automatic acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information Applies to technology that is "procured, developed, maintained, or used" by the Federal Government Examples of ICT include but not limited to: Computers, Hardware, Software/Applications, Peripheral equipment, Scientific/specialized equipment, Office equipment, Multi-function devices, Telecommunications equipment, Websites, Videos, Electronic documents, Official agency communications Original Section 508 technical standards implemented 2001; Revised Section 508 standards published 2017 3
Why Section 508 Matters Why Section 508 Matters Gartner s Top Strategic Predictions for 2020 and beyond include: By 2023, the number of people with disabilities employed will triple due to Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies reducing barriers to access In US, only 30% of labor force with disabilities is employed huge untapped talent pool Organizations that actively employ people with disabilities: 89% higher retention rates 72% increased employee productivity 29% increased profitability Added diversity = added perspectives Inaccessible technology hurts employees and organizations Accessibility is a win-win situation for Industry and Government Opens the door for the Federal government to purchase ICT Allows Industry to reach a broader customer base Improved customer experience 4
Acquisition Overview (1 of 2) Acquisition Overview (1 of 2) Federal acquisition processes for procuring ICT provide key opportunities to ensure the goals of Section 508 are achieved Building accessibility into acquisitions: Enables workforce productivity Improves customer experience Prevents the risk of litigation Prevents expensive retrofitting ICT solutions Allows those with disabilities an equal footing Including accessibility requirements in acquisitions depends on: What is being procured: COTS products, custom development, IT support services, etc. How it s being procured: Full and Open Competition, Requests for Proposals, Requests for Quotes, established Government-wide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC) or Schedules, purchase cards, etc. One size does not fit all 5
Acquisition Overview (2 of 2) Acquisition Overview (2 of 2) For new contracts/solicitations which include ICT for products or services for which there is a Statement of Work or Performance Work Statement: Ensure appropriate ICT accessibility requirements are included Inform Industry that Government will evaluate proposals for Section 508 conformance For acquisition of COTS or other known ICT commodities: Request Industry provide an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) showing conformance Industry usually uses template (VPAT 2.4) developed by IT Industry Council to create its ACRs; Any report which addresses relevant Section 508 technical standards is acceptable Demystifying Section 508 guide helps Industry create an ACR 6
Walkthrough of the Guide: Walkthrough of the Guide: Demystifying Section 508 Demystifying Section 508 Review of Guide: Quick Navigation Overview Information and Communication Technology Defined Accessibility Conformance Reports Frequently Asked Questions Download the Guide: https://sewp.nasa.gov/documents/Section_508_Guide_1118 21.pdf 7
Resources Resources Download Demystifying Section 508 Guide: https://sewp.nasa.gov/documents/Section_508_Guide_111821.pdf Section 508 Technical Standards: https://www.access-board.gov/ict/ Web Content Accessibility Guidelines: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/ Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) Template / VPAT: http://www.itic.org/resources/vpat/VPAT2.4Rev508--February2020.doc Section508.gov: https://www.section508.gov/ NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement: https://www.sewp.nasa.gov/ 8
Q & A Q & A 9
