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.
11 votes
I disagreeBy one count there are 22 federal entities that have some accessibility oversight role. In 508-land, the big ones are the Access Board, GSA, DoJ, CIO Council, and FAR and the Chief Acquisition Officer Council. But the FCC, Dept. of Education, Dept. of Labor, National Council on Disability, NIST, Department of Transportation and many others have parallel roles in their own domains. Why not astound the public and make a ...more »
By one count there are 22 federal entities that have some accessibility oversight role. In 508-land, the big ones are the Access Board, GSA, DoJ, CIO Council, and FAR and the Chief Acquisition Officer Council. But the FCC, Dept. of Education, Dept. of Labor, National Council on Disability, NIST, Department of Transportation and many others have parallel roles in their own domains. Why not astound the public and make a go of working together where there are shared issues? For example, making emergency communications accessible is now subject to action by (at least) FEMA/Homeland Security, DoJ, and FCC. Hidden somewhere in the Rehab Act (Section 502?) there's mention of interagency committees. Dept. of Labor is working on new rules for federal contractors under Section 503 -- wouldn't it be better to harmonize on 508's universal design-oriented technical provisions than keep going down the "accommodation" road?
« less full details »
Social Web