Comments (4)

1. 

   508 Govt Professional Idea Submitter

   This is a good way to evaluate an agencies performance, it addresses the Transparency objectives of the plan, and it also encourages agencies to mature their accessibility programs with a feedback tool to help the process.

   1 year ago

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2. 

   Jim Tobias

   Great idea -- more openness is what we need.

   1 year ago

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3. 

   jeffrey.l.kline

   To put it simply (and concretely I hope), I’m talking about including governance criteria to be included in the rule which the lack of, is a primary inhibitor of ICT accessibility progress. From a metrics perspective (#6 below) I don’t think that these need to be standardized as that is a bit too prescriptive, but organization’s should define and measure to accessibility goals that they establish.

   The state of Texas uses a slightly modified version of the 508 technical standards. They are written into or referenced in Texas Administrative Codes §206 and §213 and apply to around 175 Texas state agencies and institutions of higher learning. The codes include governance provisions. (§213.17, §213.18, §213.19, §213.20, §213.21 which are audit-able and directly address accountability.

   Consider this stream of consciousness example language:

   Organizations that use or develop ICT must:

   1. Develop and maintain an accessibility policy

   2. Provide a process addressing inaccessible ICT which would include a plan / date for compliance of the ICT, and an alternate means of access until the ICT is accessible

   3. Integrate ICT accessibility criteria into key phases of procurement, development, or other relevant business processes

   4. Ensure that accessibility skills are available within (or to) the organization

   5. Designate one or more individuals responsible for supporting the organization in implementing these provisions

   6. Demonstrate forward progress in accessibility over time through the establishment of metrics and tracking methods

   7. Develop and maintain an organizational structure that enables and facilities accessibility progress

   Now, whether such governance language is appropriate to include in Section 508 can be debated, but given that 508 covers all ICT including it can be rationalized. And if not there...where?

   The body of work available for reference in this area is still a bit thin. In the UK there BS-8878 Web Accessibility Code of Practice which is deals with this topic for web only. There is some language on W3C-WAI website and also a few frameworks floating around. I developed an accessibility framework template that is being used by Texas agencies and IHE’s to guide them in implementation and help them comply with the Texas rules. I also included a version of the template in my book on strategic IT accessibility.

   1 year ago

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   1. 

      Sarah Bourne

      Thank you, Jeffrey, for mentioning your book. This work group needs to read it, if they haven't already. It is filled with practical, concrete advice for "IT accessibility transformation" (in your words.)

      1 year ago

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