13 votes
I disagreeRank18
Idea#21
Do people in HR or in areas that might handle Section 508 get trained in how to handle Section 508
complaints? It seems that the whole issue of how to make a Section 508 complaint for those of us that might want to is very confusing because
all the agencies are supposed to come up with their own plans for how to handle them.
Comment from Accessibility Committee virtual Listening Session, Sept 8, 2011
You're right -- the complaint process needs to be simpler and more obvious, and the complaints and their resolution should be open, public information. The current 508 language (in the Rehab Act) says that this process is ther esponsibility of each agency. Some have argued that this needs to be changed, and suggested that the Access Board's enforcement role should be expanded. In this scenario, it would receive all complaints (protecting the privacy of the complainant, who may be a federal employee concerned about retaliation) and at least monitor the complaint process and outcome.
If you read the CIO Council's recommendations for metrics, you will see that they do suggest transparency on formal complaints, the percentage of unresolved issues, operations and management of Section 508 programs, and how they collect and respond to feed back.
Also, HR studies show that organizations that make their complaint processesd easier to use and more transparent experience fewer and more actionable complaints (more positive outcomes for the person making the complaint and less risk for the organization overall). The administration should be applauded for recognizing the importance of transparency in the draft strategic plan, and be encouraged to measure agencies on simplifying their complaint/feedback processes. The proposed Metrics forward both, but lack definition and specificity.
HR hired a deaf man last week,did not tell anyone about it, he showed up to work, not assistive technology for him, it was a circus.
We have experienced people being denied effective communication accommodations from civil rights organizations when they try to make a complaint --
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