Encourage transparancy regarding accessibility of electronic and information technology procurements.

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  Product Accessibility »

  Contribute to Free Software Tools & Open Standards

  There's a great deal of benefit in contributing to the accessibility of Open Source tools like Drupal, jQuery, WordPress & OpenLayers. Aside from benefiting many government departments by improving the core tools available to every government department, the investment benefits everyone. It is a benefit to business, NPO's & educational institutions when government invests in and contributes back to open source tools. ...more »

  There's a great deal of benefit in contributing to the accessibility of Open Source tools like Drupal, jQuery, WordPress & OpenLayers.

  Aside from benefiting many government departments by improving the core tools available to every government department, the investment benefits everyone.

  It is a benefit to business, NPO's & educational institutions when government invests in and contributes back to open source tools.

  Even if there isn't a mandate to use free software within the USA gov, it's the simplest way to test out best practices in a diverse community.

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  Submitted by mgifford 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  It all come back to Top down Agency awareness with Section 508

  Very interesting conversation going on and from my perspective I see everything coming back to increased awareness. When we talk about Product Accessibility you have to first distinguish which “product” you are talking about. Put into the process of the current law it can be any product that we use, develop, maintain or procure. You’re talking about almost everyone within your organization needing to be aware of Section ...more »

  Very interesting conversation going on and from my perspective I see everything coming back to increased awareness. When we talk about Product Accessibility you have to first distinguish which “product” you are talking about. Put into the process of the current law it can be any product that we use, develop, maintain or procure. You’re talking about almost everyone within your organization needing to be aware of Section 508 from the person creating websites, documents and PDF to the purchasing agents and administrators as well as the executives. Everyone has a role and that role must be defined. I believe if we ever want to fully get our arms around the problems we have we need to get everyone onboard.

  In order to accomplish this we have to have top down Section 508 training. Not to make everyone experts and able to check websites and documents but so that they know that there is something out there called Section 508 and they understand their role in its implementation. My thought would to create a suite of training tools for different agency roles such as Executive, Administrator, Developer and Procurement. Have each agency create an implementation team and have an agency like GSA, with the assistance of some third party agency, provide Train the Trainer training to these implementation teams so that they can go back to their agencies and get the needle moving in the right direction.

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  3 comments for Idea: It all come back to Top down Agency awareness with Section 508

  Submitted by Community Member 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  Specific location of accessability tools be in a set location

  Accessibility tools should be required to be in one location all the time every time. It is unrealistic to expect a person with disabilities to to search a page they can not access to find out if the accessibility tools are their or not.

  For example access ability tools will always be in the upper right hand corner of every web page so they can easily be found if they exist at all.

  1 comment for Idea: Specific location of accessability tools be in a set location

  Submitted by dsablan1 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  Use an Evaluation matrix instead of VPATS in procurement

  VPATS as the name implies is voluntary and federal agencies cannot hold the the vendor to compliance based on a VPAT. Instead an evaluation matrix is more effective as you make the vendors respond to the applicable provisions for their products and score them based on their compliance. This ensure fair and open competition as per the FAR and also ensures the agency buys the most compliant product. When vendors respond ...more »

  VPATS as the name implies is voluntary and federal agencies cannot hold the the vendor to compliance based on a VPAT.

  Instead an evaluation matrix is more effective as you make the vendors respond to the applicable provisions for their products and score them based on their compliance.

  This ensure fair and open competition as per the FAR and also ensures the agency buys the most compliant product.

  When vendors respond to a matrix and are awarded contracts based on it the agency can hold them to compliance and vendors have to make their products or services 508 compliant

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  4 comments for Idea: Use an Evaluation matrix instead of VPATS in procurement

  Submitted by sujatha.balakumar 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  ADA Title IV - Captioning of PSAs funded by federal dollars

  This is not exactly Section 508, but there is a lot of overlap since it has to do with captioning of media produced with federal funds. Title IV of the ADA mostly deals with Telecommunication Relay Services but one small part says that TV Public Service Announcements developed with federal funds must be captioned. This law has been on the books since 1990 but often overlooked.

  3 comments for Idea: ADA Title IV - Captioning of PSAs funded by federal dollars

  Submitted by Jim House 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  Website to Learn from Mistakes/Success

  The problem with the language of the rules and regulations is that they are open for interpretation and each company implementing a new application or site can interpret differently. I think an official site that contains a running archive of compliant vs. non compliant examples of actual implementations for each rule/regulation (and why they have that status) would be helpful. That way, you could check your implementation/idea ...more »

  The problem with the language of the rules and regulations is that they are open for interpretation and each company implementing a new application or site can interpret differently. I think an official site that contains a running archive of compliant vs. non compliant examples of actual implementations for each rule/regulation (and why they have that status) would be helpful. That way, you could check your implementation/idea against the database. If you don't see it on there, send it in for an official review to be shared on the site. For example, applets and plugins, say you wanted to implement a link in the footer to view all plugins required on the site to cover this requirement but wasn't sure if that was good enough to be compliant. You could go on this site and see if it had ever been implemented that way and if that implementation was accepted/rejected... or again, never tried.

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  1 comment for Idea: Website to Learn from Mistakes/Success

  Submitted by anthony.prematta 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  screen reader users cannot cast votes in this dialogue!

  How on Earth can we be having an online dialogue about improving implementation of Section 508 using a platform that, itself, is not compliant with Section 508? Those of us who use screen readers cannot even vote on the ideas! Giving us an inaccessible platform on which to cast our votes for aspects of an issue that is so vitally important to our ability to access information and participate in the federal workforce ...more »

  How on Earth can we be having an online dialogue about improving implementation of Section 508 using a platform that, itself, is not compliant with Section 508? Those of us who use screen readers cannot even vote on the ideas! Giving us an inaccessible platform on which to cast our votes for aspects of an issue that is so vitally important to our ability to access information and participate in the federal workforce is extremely insulting and demoralizing, and seems to show a callous disregard for those who are most affected by these issues, or a blatant and inexcusable lack of knowledge about what is and isn't Section 508 compliant.

  A person using a screen reader cannot vote using keystrokes. A more advanced user, trying some features of the screen reader that try to make up for the fact that many applications are not developed using accessibility standards, can think that she has managed to vote. She will hear the "I agree" link change to "you agree", hear the number of votes increase, and get a "retract" link for her supposed vote. But she will later return to the site to find that her votes appear to have been cast for comments for which she didn't vote, and even for those, she will not see her name listed in the voter activity.

  I call on the sponsors of this campaign to please remedy this situation ASAP! Offering us an e-mail address isn't sufficient. It isn't sufficient for any federal agency trying to remedy a Section 508 violation, and it certainly isn't sufficient or appropriate for the sponsors of a campaign for improving implementation of Section 508!

  There is another comment related to this issue: "IdeaScale screen Reader Accessibility". I tried to vote for it, but since I can't, I'm forced to resort to posting my own comment.

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  26 comments for Idea: screen reader users cannot cast votes in this dialogue!

  Submitted by gosarah 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  Why not a "GSA schedule" for accessible products?

  A lot of us focus on documents and web sites, but we should also talk about software and other products. Why can't there be a list of software tools or hardware devices? Nothing gets on the list unless it actually meets the full 508. There can be all the boundary setting and disclaimers about what an agency does with the product, but it seems like an incredible waste of effort for every agency to have to check basic ...more »

  A lot of us focus on documents and web sites, but we should also talk about software and other products.

  Why can't there be a list of software tools or hardware devices? Nothing gets on the list unless it actually meets the full 508.

  There can be all the boundary setting and disclaimers about what an agency does with the product, but it seems like an incredible waste of effort for every agency to have to check basic products.

  Wouldn't vendors compete to get on this list by improving their products? Sort of a GSA schedule for products

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  10 comments for Idea: Why not a "GSA schedule" for accessible products?

  Submitted by Whitney Q. 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  Digital Signage needs to be compliant

  Agencies seem to be deploying Digital Signage without thought of accessibility. Digital Signage content needs guidelines for accessibility as it is a delivery method for Electronic & Information Technology information. To many times have I seen inaccessible content displayed because the apathy of management thinking Digital Signage isn't governed by the law. Specific guidelines for content creation needs to be added ...more »

  Agencies seem to be deploying Digital Signage without thought of accessibility. Digital Signage content needs guidelines for accessibility as it is a delivery method for Electronic & Information Technology information.

  To many times have I seen inaccessible content displayed because the apathy of management thinking Digital Signage isn't governed by the law. Specific guidelines for content creation needs to be added as it relates to Digital Signage.

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  Submitted by goverland 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  Enhance core product to meet section 508

  One question for the producers of documents is how section 508 might limit the mainstream product--website, document, data sets, use of color, dynamic graphics and content, etc. There are reasons that information is conveyed in a variety of formats and media and section 508 should not limit how the core product is developed. Rather section 508 should address how accessible enhancements and supplments are added in. ...more »

  One question for the producers of documents is how section 508 might limit the mainstream product--website, document, data sets, use of color, dynamic graphics and content, etc. There are reasons that information is conveyed in a variety of formats and media and section 508 should not limit how the core product is developed. Rather section 508 should address how accessible enhancements and supplments are added in. Limiting the core product to satisfy 508 will create resistance among originators of products and result in dissatisfaction among product users.

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  3 comments for Idea: Enhance core product to meet section 508

  Submitted by zinkl 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  Use Only HTML Forms & Docs! Avoid Flash, PDF, Word, Excel, etc.

  Avoid the use of these proprietary formats which require external plugins and are usually never accessible. HTML is always the most accessible and universal format that works on all devices from Cell Phones to Kindles to iPads. HTML is open source and does not require expensive tools like Adobe Acrobat Professional or Flash to develop. HTML is indexable by search engines and makes it easier for the public to find the ...more »

  Avoid the use of these proprietary formats which require external plugins and are usually never accessible. HTML is always the most accessible and universal format that works on all devices from Cell Phones to Kindles to iPads.

  HTML is open source and does not require expensive tools like Adobe Acrobat Professional or Flash to develop.

  HTML is indexable by search engines and makes it easier for the public to find the content they are looking for.

  HTML forms are the only type that can be filled out by mobile devices and all assistive technologies used by people who are blind or have other disabilities.

  HTML is the easiest format to make text larger and easier to view for the elderly, folks with glasses, or who just like reading large text.

  This proposal will save time, money, and open the internet to all people regardless of ability!

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  9 comments for Idea: Use Only HTML Forms & Docs! Avoid Flash, PDF, Word, Excel, etc.

  Submitted by paul 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  Improving federal websites dialogue

  Building usability and accessibility into web design during the design phase was a recurrent theme during the dialogue on web reform. Read what others said during that dialogue. http://web-reform-dialogue.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Make-usability-testing-and-508-testing-required-PRIOR-to-launch/81928-4097

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  Submitted by Section508 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  Restrict use of “conforming alternate versions” of websites.

  Do not support the broad use of alternate conforming websites. Support the narrow use of alternate conforming websites only as a last resort and preferably as a temporary measure on the way to full accessibility of the non-conforming version. It is the Rehabilitation Act’s stated policy that “all programs, projects, and activities receiving assistance under this Act shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the ...more »

  Do not support the broad use of alternate conforming websites. Support the narrow use of alternate conforming websites only as a last resort and preferably as a temporary measure on the way to full accessibility of the non-conforming version.

  It is the Rehabilitation Act’s stated policy that “all programs, projects, and activities receiving assistance under this Act shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the principles of […] inclusion, integration, and full participation of the individuals” (Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section § 3(c), 29 U.S.C. 794, emphasis added). The use of conforming alternate versions is discordant with principles that demand inclusion and full participation of people with disabilities.

  Practical arguments will be raised about the difficulty and expense of working toward one fully conforming website. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0) and the supporting document, “Understanding WCAG 2.0” point to several instances where creating one conforming website would be difficult, if not impossible. These instances should not be the exceptions that are allowed to shape the rule. The law already provides safety valves for covered entities facing impracticable tasks; the doctrines of “undue burden” and “fundamental alteration” provide protection in these instances.

  Practical arguments have been raised at every step of our nation’s progress toward full civil rights for all. When they are raised, they should be met with principled responses. The work necessary to make the information and communication technology of the federal government accessible to all its citizens will not be easy, but it is richly deserved.

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  Add your comment for Idea: Restrict use of “conforming alternate versions” of websites.

  Submitted by Angela English 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  The sole source

  The sole source justification is often used as a loop hole to buy non compliant products in federal agencies. There are some genuine sole source products which are crucial to the functioning of the agencyand are not compliant. Even if they invoke the sole source justification agencies should work with the vendors and formulate a mitigation plan and a timeline to bring the product into compliance. So even if the product ...more »

  The sole source justification is often used as a loop hole to buy non compliant products in federal agencies.

  There are some genuine sole source products which are crucial to the functioning of the agencyand are not compliant.

  Even if they invoke the sole source justification agencies should work with the vendors and formulate a mitigation plan and a timeline to bring the product into compliance.

  So even if the product is not compliant when brought into the agency, the agency should work with the vendor to make the product compliant and the the Section 508 language should be part of the contract.

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  2 comments for Idea: The sole source

  Submitted by sujatha.balakumar 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  MultiMedia Specialist

  I was hired by the government to help make our videos and streaming webcast captioned. However, I realized our video equipment is out-dated and not able to work with our new captioning encoder (HD/SD compatible). To obtain new equipment, it takes months to years to get such equipment. Is there a way we can speed up this process within the government agencies?

  7 comments for Idea: MultiMedia Specialist

  Submitted by captworks 1 year ago

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  Scan the technology horizon

  It's common to see a new kind of product emerge and upset the applecart of accessibility, usually without any warning. When the vendor is approached about accessibility, their answer may be, "We'll fix that in the next release." In the meantime, customers are stuck with an inaccessible product. To get out of this reactive mode, how about a project that identifies technologies that are 3-5 years away from the market? ...more »

  It's common to see a new kind of product emerge and upset the applecart of accessibility, usually without any warning. When the vendor is approached about accessibility, their answer may be, "We'll fix that in the next release." In the meantime, customers are stuck with an inaccessible product.

  To get out of this reactive mode, how about a project that identifies technologies that are 3-5 years away from the market? This project would approach standards bodies, R&D labs, and other fonts of innovation, bringing the message of accessibility. It could be a general message, or it could be accompanied by some statement that one or more existing accessibility regulations apply to this kind of product. Either way, the project would follow up with the innovators as the product neared market, and give some assistance to AT vendors and potential early customers as well.

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  3 comments for Idea: Scan the technology horizon

  Submitted by Jim Tobias 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  Updating the Section 508 standards - 1194.2

  Section 508 as it relates to technology (1194.21, 1194.22) should be evaluated and updated on a regular basis. Technology changes rapidly, and the standards are sorely outdated. This means meeting these standards as a software vendor while still enhancing and advancing the product is difficult and costly. It can also result in poor overall user experience by government employees because it may limit the advancements ...more »

  Section 508 as it relates to technology (1194.21, 1194.22) should be evaluated and updated on a regular basis. Technology changes rapidly, and the standards are sorely outdated. This means meeting these standards as a software vendor while still enhancing and advancing the product is difficult and costly. It can also result in poor overall user experience by government employees because it may limit the advancements that can be made.

  For example, there are some excellent screen readers that have kept up with technology changes, and the software is fully accessible by people with disabilities who use these screen readers. They have adapted to things like advanced CSS and javascript - yet the standards still state the software must run without CSS. This made sense 10 or 15 years ago, but is no longer applicable today. Much of CSS drives product function, not just color and font size. Time and resources are spent with agencies and vendors debating back and forth over this outdated standard that cannot be met while still delivering excellent software. This is just one example.

  Technology is constantly changing, and the standards cannot remain unchanged over time. Please consider establishing a committee to evaluate and update these standards every few years. This will also raise the bar and set higher expectations for assistive technology to keep up with software advancements. In the end, everyone wins.

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  4 comments for Idea: Updating the Section 508 standards - 1194.2

  Submitted by RJordan 1 year ago

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  Product Accessibility »

  Product testing for 508 compliance

  Currently each agency is making determinations as to whether a product is 508 compliant. A central location for sharing product testing for accessibility, by product name and version, would save each agency from having to replicate testing over and over again. We could start with major applications such as Windows and Lotus Notes. Most agencies are spending significant dollars to make some major procurements, such ...more »

  Currently each agency is making determinations as to whether a product is 508 compliant. A central location for sharing product testing for accessibility, by product name and version, would save each agency from having to replicate testing over and over again. We could start with major applications such as Windows and Lotus Notes. Most agencies are spending significant dollars to make some major procurements, such as Sharepoint accessible. There ought to be a way for the federal government to coordinate and centralize testing and sharing of results of accessibility for electronic and information technology. It would save the government money if this could be done before agencies can purchase it. Almost like a prequalification step.

  Comment from Accessibility Committee virtual listening session, Sept 8, 2011

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  6 comments for Idea: Product testing for 508 compliance

  Submitted by Section508 1 year ago

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