In the Metrics section of the plan, more specificity is needed for electronic content. It simply states “Agencies will review and evaluate electronic content for 508 compliance.” We need simple metrics, common across most agencies, that can be used to evaluate an agency’s commitment and effectiveness in implementing accessibility. The Section 508 refresh is increasing the scope of electronic content and the strategic ...more »
This 508 strategic plans seems to want to look forward, without really understanding successful or unsuccessful Section 508 implementation has been in the past. With regard to Federal Agency compliance on EIT procurements, there is over 5 years of data that indicate the government is still struggling to include appropriate and detailed Section 508 requirements into solicitations. In fact government-wide compliance rates ...more »
Collect and post data for external web applications on an agency and/or OMG/GSA web site and post a similar data set on an agency’s intranet. Present it as a quarterly or yearly report by Providing a table which lists: 1) the agencies web applications (link to splash screen), 2) has/when accessibility testing occurred, 3) a compliance determination, 4) known accessibility defects (link), 5) work around or accommodation ...more »
More metrics that emphasize sound internal accessibility requirements are needed. Today's model agencies have trained developers, trained and deployed accessibility testers, implemented project life cycle accessibility requirements, posted accessibility acceptance gates (for internal applications and contract acceptance criteria), and other important agency governance measures to ensure an improving environment. The ...more »
Agencies must purchase E&IT, the market is not doing a great job of supplying compliant products and solutions, and so often agencies must purchase inaccessible products. The job does not end there though. An agency is still charged with implementing that E&IT in the most accessible manner give its ‘other than procurement’ obligations (develop, use, maintain). It is also still under Section 504 obligations. Agencies ...more »