Jan 31 2012
Recently we read an interesting article on Web Accessibility Myths. A few interesting myths the author discussed were:
We are not endorsing the organization sponsoring this website (see our blog policy), but are happy to see dialog about this important topic.
Jan 26 2012
There is a misconception that Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPAT) are a problem because they are always voluntary. It is true that a company can decide to voluntarily create a VPAT and post it on their website. BUT, if a government agency requires a VPAT as part of their solicitation, then it is no longer voluntary. It becomes a requirement. The only voluntary part is whether or not the company wants to compete for that contract. If a government agency is procuring Electronic and Information Technology (EIT), then it is their responsibility to require accessibility information be provided by the bidder.
Here are some past blog posts about the VPAT and some more about Common Misconceptions.
Jan 20 2012
This week the BuyAccessible team attended the IDEAS 2012 conference. At our booth, people told us that the technical language in the GPAT was difficult to understand. That language comes from the Section 508 standard, so we can’t change it. But… a long time ago we created a resource called Quick Reference Guide that was the basis for the BuyAccessible Wizard. This guide answers these questions for each Section 508 provision:
Jan 13 2012
The BuyAccessible team will be at the 2012 Interagency Disability Educationl Awareness Showcase (IDEAS), Wednesday, January 18, and Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. IDEAS is the federal government’s premier conference on Section 508 compliance and accessible workplace technology for people with disabilities.
We will have an exhibit table for the Buy Accessible Wizard. Our team is also giving a presentation on Thursday at 2 pm:
Session B5: The Buy Accessible Wizard, A Free Tool for Generating Section 508 Compliant Solicitations.
Panelists will discuss the GSA established Buy Accessible Wizard and how it is used as a market research tool to find 508 compliant and accessible products and services for purchase. Learn how to use the Wizard and discover how the tool will provide the appropriate 508 language to include in your acquisition documentation.
Jan 03 2012
The BuyAccessible team’s New Year’s resolution is to help government and industry with the transition for the Section 508 refresh. We plan to update our tools to reflect the new standard. Watch this blog for announcements about the refresh and new tools.
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Dec 20 2011
As a gift to you, here are links to a few of our favorite accessibility resources:
Happy Holidays from the BuyAccessible Team!
Dec 15 2011
Here is an early holiday present!
On December 8, 2011 the Access Board has released for public comment an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) updating accessibility requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act. This latest version includes changes made in response to public feedback received on an earlier draft issued last year. It also includes several questions where additional public feedback is sought. The public comment period ends on March 7, 2012.
During the comment period, the Board will hold two public hearings, on January 11, 2012 in Washington, DC, and March 1, 2012 in San Diego, CA. A subsequent separate Federal Register notice will announce the hearings (ICT meeting notice). The hearing on January 11th will be held at the Access Board conference room at 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The hearing on March 1st will be held at the 27th Annual CSUN conference, Manchester Grand Hyatt, One Market Place, San Diego, CA, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Persons wishing to speak at either hearing should preregister with Kathy Johnson, johnson@access-board.gov, (202) 272-0041 (v), or (202) 272-0082 (TTY).
All comments submitted during the public hearings will be posted to the rulemaking docket. After the public comment period closes, the Board will follow-up with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) which will provide an additional round of comment before the rule is finalized.
The ANPRM and related information will be available on the Board’s website and at Regulations.gov. For further information, contact Tim Creagan at creagan@access-board.gov, (202) 272-0016 (v), or (202) 272-0074 (TTY).
Tim Creagan
Sr. Accessibility Specialist
U.S. Access Board
Dec 06 2011
Vendors are developing kiosk software that allows users to perform information technology functions, such as browse the web, make telephone calls via VoIP, word process and everything else a personal computer can do, but in a virtual computing environment. Are these information kiosks or personal computers?
From a Section 508 accessibility requirements standpoint it doesn’t really matter. The same requirements would apply. Requirements from 1194.25 Self-contained Closed Systems that are not included in 119.26 Desktop and Portable Computers are covered in 1194.21 Software and Operating Systems and 1194.22 Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications. Other requirements are included in 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria.
Dec 02 2011
When you hear the term “kiosk”, what do you think of? A booth in the mall that sells fuzzy mittens, cell phones, or soft pretzels? Another type of kiosk is the electronic kind, for example airport check-in kiosks. Electronic and Interactive Kiosks contain a computer terminal that performs a function without letting users access system functions. Government agencies have also been creating kiosks to provide information to people as well as interactive kiosks that provide government services. For example the US Post office has kiosks that allow you to weigh those holiday packages, pay for postage, and print shipping labels. Virginia’s State parks have kiosks that allow you to see videos of trails and print maps. The US Department of Homeland Security also created kiosks for visitor registration upon entering the US.
We were recently asked by a vendor if Section 508 applies to electronic kiosks. Kiosks, in fact, are included in the definition of EIT by the Access Board and in the definition of self-contained, closed products so Section 508 clearly applies. But, as usual this question led to another, namely what provisions would apply to kiosks. On the surface, this looks easy, but in fact kiosks illustrate the complexity of technical provisions and how technical and accessibility requirements evolve over time.
A kiosk as a self-contained, closed product is a devices unto itself. It is expected to provide all required accessibility as a standalone unit without the support of external assistive technology. Software is generally embedded, built into the electronics of the kiosk. Inputs are typically provided by keyspads/keyboards or touchscreens. Outputs are typically audible or visual. Accessibility requirements for such a kiosk are defined in 1194.25 Self-contained, Closed Products; 1194.23 k1-4 as part of Telecommunications Products; and 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria. Further, 1194.41 Information, Documentation, and Support would also apply to any support documentation that came with the kiosk. Finally, if the kiosk also includes software to configure and maintain the kiosk, then 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems could also apply.
Nov 18 2011
As we pause to give thanks this month, let’s remember to give thanks to our nation’s veterans and again be reminded of the importance of good implementation of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 508 requires that federal agencies’ electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities. This allows government employees with disabilities to do their jobs and allows citizens to fully access government information. Our injured veterans represent a population with new disabilities. Let’s honor them and the memory of those past by improving the accessibility of technology!
GSA’s BuyAccessible program provides technical assistance and tools to support government-wide compliance with Section 508.
