Critical activities were identified during listening sessions and from stakeholder input. Not all activities can be completed simultaneously. Help us determine priorities.
2 votes
I disagreeIt should be inexcusable to procure noncompliant basic products such as phone systems; photocopiers; security systems, blackberries/PDAs, and basic software (word processing, email, spreadsheet, time and attendance, travel, performance management, etc.) Find out what is 508 compliant and, for such basic products, require one of those options to be used.
1 vote
I disagreeI propose expanding the funding of the CAP office to implement a hotline for all accessibility issues. They are already the subject matter experts. This hotline could help disabled individuals with their technical questions, provide a clearing house to disseminate technical tips, and serve as a focal point for reporting/tracking non 508 compliant websites/applications.
7 votes
I disagreeEPUB 3 is the new Standard for digital publishing that was designed with accessibility in mind. Because it is new (approved October 2011) support in reading systems and authoring tools is developing. We should encourage this standard and track the progress of accessibility in content, reading systems, and authoring tools. EPUB 3 is based on HTML5 and MathML, hence there are many overlapping accessibility techniques that ...more »
EPUB 3 is the new Standard for digital publishing that was designed with accessibility in mind. Because it is new (approved October 2011) support in reading systems and authoring tools is developing. We should encourage this standard and track the progress of accessibility in content, reading systems, and authoring tools. EPUB 3 is based on HTML5 and MathML, hence there are many overlapping accessibility techniques that we can build on. Effort in this domain can ensure accessible digital publishing for the future.
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8 votes
I disagreeSeveral have addressed one issue. Many things have to be done to grow and refine the program into a better way of thinking and working. Every developer, manager and director must go through at least a full day of uniform training with 508. Significantly reward these front line workers with innovation and progress in all the 508 initiatives and overcoming stigmas and status quo.
13 votes
I disagreePeople with disabilities; rely on accessible technology to do their jobs. When Federal agencies follow through on their commitment to recruit, retain, and advance individuals with disabilities while embracing strategies that ensure accessible technology people with disabilities are assured equal access to government programs and equal employment opportunity. Simply put, equal access to technology is essential to equal ...more »
People with disabilities; rely on accessible technology to do their jobs. When Federal agencies follow through on their commitment to recruit, retain, and advance individuals with disabilities while embracing strategies that ensure accessible technology people with disabilities are assured equal access to government programs and equal employment opportunity. Simply put, equal access to technology is essential to equal employment opportunity in the Federal government. Therefore eliminating the multiple and significant barriers to accessible technology should be the highest priority within the President’s Executive Order to hire people with disabilities in the Federal government.
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9 votes
I disagreeSection 508 clauses must be incorporated by Procurement in the base contract to hold the vendor to compliance. It should be part of the requirements and not an aftert hought. Our constant challenge with acquisitions and 508 compliance is that Section 508 is not part of requirements. The largest impediment to the implementation of Section 508 in the current requisition process is the absence of Section 508 clauses in ...more »
Section 508 clauses must be incorporated by Procurement in the base contract to hold the vendor to compliance. It should be part of the requirements and not an aftert hought.
Our constant challenge with acquisitions and 508 compliance is that Section 508 is not part of requirements. The largest impediment to the implementation of Section 508 in the current requisition process is the absence of Section 508 clauses in base contracts. The most critical action required is to make sure the correct applicable Section 508 clauses are in the Contract/Requests for Proposals and Statements of work. This is the only way to hold the vendor to compliance. If the critical language is not in the contract, vendors charge a considerable amount of extra money to bring the product to compliance. By ensuring Section 508 clauses are in the contract the Agency can save money. According to a case study by Pressman (2005), it is expensive to retrofit software to meet accessibility standards. The cost of revision is estimated to be one to six times greater during development than during the design phase and sixty to hundred times greater after release.
So Section 508 should be part of the requirements and should not be an after thought.
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) should be used by federal agencies as guidance for developing procurement policies and procedures.
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2 votes
I disagreePerhaps I'm missing something but where is this Strategic Plan that is open for review? I was under the impression this would be a discussion about the plan in its current state but there seem to be only small exerts presented in this forum. Was that the intent and if so could someone explain why?
12 votes
I disagreeProjects should use native users of screen readers, magnifiers, voice command software to test their applications. The functional performance criteria (1194.31)is a very important Section 508 provision in the current standards -and the questions asked under FPC are simply whether some one who is blind can use the system, some one who has low vision can use the system, someone who is deaf , and some one with mobility ...more »
Projects should use native users of screen readers, magnifiers, voice command software to test their applications.
The functional performance criteria (1194.31)is a very important Section 508 provision in the current standards -and the questions asked under FPC are simply whether some one who is blind can use the system, some one who has low vision can use the system, someone who is deaf , and some one with mobility impairments problems can use the system.
What better way to test it than with native users so we can get an accurate picture of the compliance level of the application.
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5 votes
I disagreeIt is hard enough for agencies to collaborate between one another, but what is harder is collaboration with States, Academia, Advocates, and Industry. A government focused community of practice should have contributors from all these perspectives since they are all stakeholders in Section 508. In order to navigate Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) rules, a sponsoring agency is needed.
18 votes
I disagreeRelated to a few ideas already posted, the government needs to create a standardized testing methodology that federal and contracted staff can use for compliance testing. Such a methodology needs to include both automated testing tools and functional, usability testing. Once the government standardizes on a testing approach, the market will react and can provide clearer results as to what is compliant and what is not. ...more »
Related to a few ideas already posted, the government needs to create a standardized testing methodology that federal and contracted staff can use for compliance testing. Such a methodology needs to include both automated testing tools and functional, usability testing. Once the government standardizes on a testing approach, the market will react and can provide clearer results as to what is compliant and what is not. Even with the Section 508 refresh coming, the need for standardized testing methodology will be present.
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26 votes
I disagreeIn my experience interacting with developers - few have a knowledge of Section 508 and even less knowledge of the WCAG. With the WCAG 2.0 being such an intergral part of the Section 508 refresh, it is imperative that all web deveopers have solid knowledge of the WCAG 2.0 and program ground up for Section 508. A study reports that the cost of revision is estimated to be one to six times greater during development than ...more »
In my experience interacting with developers - few have a knowledge of Section 508 and even less knowledge of the WCAG. With the WCAG 2.0 being such an intergral part of the Section 508 refresh, it is imperative that all web deveopers have solid knowledge of the WCAG 2.0 and program ground up for Section 508. A study reports that the cost of revision is estimated to be one to six times greater during development than during the design phase and sixty to hundred times greater after release.
Agencies should proactively send developers to section 508 training classes.
In my experience project achieved success with accessibility when developers were provided training with Assistive technologies like Jaws, Dragon and Zoom text.
That really helped them understand the difficulties AT users experience and they created access keys for an technology which was inherently inaccessible.
Education and awareness is the key.
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