“Teaming up with Criterion provided us with in-depth Section 508 compliance technical expertise, which allowed us to modify our systems and processes in order to produce Section 508 compliant output during our high-volume production runs.”
Because Section 508 guidelines affect all aspects of content and information technology, it naturally affects eLearning solutions as well. In the educational field there currently exists a perceived conflict between Section 508 and eLearning. It is well known that there is a documented, direct relationship between eLearning interactivity and the robustness and effectiveness of the complete learning experience. In general, a more interactive eLearning experience is gained from a more effective and efficient course. The problem arises because traditional highly interactive and engaging eLearning solutions usually fail to meet Section 508 standards. To help overcome this issue, Government agencies, and the private sector as well, need simple and effective guidance to help them understand how to most effectively implement and benefit from eLearning solutions. Although Section 508 standards are clearly defined, both the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which governs the Federal procurement process, and the Access Board incorporate considerable flexibility. This flexibility creates economic incentives for the technology industry, through normal market forces, to make their products increasingly more accessible over time. This flexibility also helps the technology industry continue to innovate, but ensures that people with disabilities will continue to gain greater access to information and technology. Incorporating Section 508 compliance into all aspects of eLearning is an ongoing process. Given constant improvements in technology and Government requirements to include accessibility in all aspects of development, eLearning solutions should continue to evolve and become more and more accessible to everyone.
For more information on Section 508's impact on eLearning procurement, read The Industry Advisory Council (IAC) report, eLearning: Conforming to Section 508 at:http://www.iaconline.org/documents_presentations/2002/508_white_paper.htm
Sections 501, 504, and 508 are all part of the Rehabilitation Act and are all designed to prevent discrimination, based on physical and mental disabilities, in the workplace. Each of them share the same common goal, but address it from a different standpoint. Section 501 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in Federal employment and applicants for employment, Section 504 relates to nondiscrimination under federal grants and programs, and Section 508 regulates accessibility to federal information and technology in the workplace by federal employees and the general public.
This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in Federal employment and applicants for employment. Federal agencies are required to make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities. Among other things, it requires Federal employers to make reasonable accommodations to the known disabilities of their current employees. This section also requires Federal agencies to establish affirmative action plans for the hiring, placement, and advancement of people with disabilities in Federal employment.
For more information visit:
http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=17
This act prohibits discrimination based on disability in federally funded and federally conducted programs or activities. No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance or under any program or activity conducted by any Executive agency or by the United States Postal Service. Among other things, this section covers employment and educational programs.
For more information visit: http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=15
This act requires equal access to electronic and information technology procured by Federal agencies. The Access Board, an independent Federal agency created by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, developed accessibility standards for the various technologies covered in Section 508 and these standards have been folded into the Federal government's procurement regulations. These standards are very specific and are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users with disabilities including Federal employees and the general public. A Federal agency must consider the Section 508 standards when procuring electronic and information technology, even if there are no users with disabilities who could currently use the technology.
For more information visit: http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=11#general
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), part of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and working in coordination with governments and private organizations around the world, pursues accessibility on the Web through five primary areas of work: technology, guidelines, tools, education and outreach, and research and development. In 1999, the WAI produced the first set of formal guidelines for developing accessible web sites. W3C's WAI is utilized as the foundation for European Union (EU) standards for accessibility as well as those set out by Canada's Universal Accessibility initiative.The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) is an independent U.S. Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. The Board was created by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 with the goal of addressing compliance with the Architectural Barriers Act. In 1998, the Rehabilitation Act Amendments expanded the Board's mission to cover electronic and information technology. Section 508 of this law required the Board to publish standards defining electronic and information technology and setting forth the technical and functional performance criteria necessary for accessibility. The Board is responsible for developing and maintaining accessibility requirements for architectural environments, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and for electronic and information technology (EIT); providing technical assistance and training on these guidelines and standards; and enforcing accessibility standards for federally funded facilities. Both the WAI and The Access Board share a similar purpose, but take slightly different approaches when addressing the issue. The Access Board's standards cover a much broader spectrum of electronic and information technology (EIT), including a section specifically related to web-based Intranet and Internet content, whereas the WAI is entirely devoted to web-based development issues.Section 508 compliance requires meeting the standards set forth by The Access Board only. However, if you are a vendor who also plans to sell web-based applications internationally, in addition to Section 508 compliance, you should also comply with W3C WAI standards.