Access and equity are intrinsically linked. Lack of equal access to employment opportunities, health care, community participation, and other key aspects of daily life is a significant barrier to full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce and in our society as a whole. When discussing issues related to disability and access, the focus is often on physical access, i.e., being able to “get in the door.” While physical access is incredibly important, access to technology and online information, also known as digital accessibility or technological accessibility, is equally critical and shouldn’t be overlooked. With the increased use of remote work in recent years, especially during the pandemic, ensuring accessibility of information and communication technology (ICT) is more crucial than ever.
However, employment opportunities aren’t the only thing people with disabilities are excluded from when ICT isn’t accessible. Think about the sheer amount of information and systems that are now online. Inaccessible ICT can prevent people with disabilities from participating in education and learning activities, essential programs and services, social interaction, and more. True equity for disabled people is simply not possible without accessible ICT.
What is ICT?
ICT is a blanket term for computing and telecommunication technologies, systems, and tools. According to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, ICT is “information technology and other equipment, systems, technologies, or processes for which the principal function is the creation, manipulation, storage, display, receipt, or transmission of electronic data, information, and any associated content.” ICT includes computer equipment, software applications, online information and tools, cell phones, electronic documents, and virtual meeting platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
What Laws and Regulations Govern Accessibility of ICT?
Section 508 applies to Government agencies and Federal contractors. It requires that all users, including people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities, have access to electronic and information technology procured by the Federal Government, such as computer hardware and software, websites, multimedia assets, phone systems, and copiers. The U.S. Access Board outlines standards for accessibility of ICT based on guidelines included in Section 508 and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act. In 2017, the Access Board updated requirements for ICT accessibility to reflect recent advances in technology.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is broader in scope than Section 508, applying to any business in the public or private sector, as well as state and local governments. The ADA mandates equal access to employment opportunities and to physical spaces but does not specifically address digital access. However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) affirms that the ADA does apply to digital content, particularly the accessibility of websites, under Title II (which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all services, programs, and activities of state and local governments) and Title III (which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by businesses open to the public).
DOJ states, “A website with inaccessible features can limit the ability of people with disabilities to access a public accommodation’s goods, services, and privileges available through that website — for example, a veterans’ service organization event registration form. For these reasons, the Department has consistently taken the position that the ADA’s requirements apply to all the goods, services, privileges, or activities offered by public accommodations, including those offered on the web.” DOJ offers guidance on web accessibility and the ADA and reiterates that “businesses and state and local governments have flexibility in how they comply with the ADA’s general requirements of nondiscrimination and effective communication. But they must comply with the ADA’s requirements.”
How Can My Organization Ensure Accessibility of ICT?
Ensuring accessibility of ICT takes a commitment from all levels of an organization or agency and a carefully considered strategy for implementing policies and procedures that support digital accessibility. However, there are many resources that can help your organization get started on the journey to full technological accessibility or improve current efforts. For example:
- The World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) offers an Accessibility Fundamentals Overview as well as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- The Department of Labor’s Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) has a learning guide on digital accessibility and a fact sheet on “10 Tips for an Accessible Website.”
It’s also important to remember you don’t have to go at this alone. Applied Development can support your organization’s digital accessibility efforts through our Section 508 Compliance Services, which include document remediation, accessibility training, and guidance on procuring accessible ICT. You can find additional helpful resources below.
What Resources are Available to Help?
- In December 2023, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published guidance to help strengthen digital accessibility and the implementation of Section 508 standards within the Federal Government. The new OMB memo, “Strengthening Digital Accessibility and the Management of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act” is meant to work in conjunction with OMB guidance released in September of last year, “Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience,” to ensure a “universally accessible digital experience for ICT provided by the Federal Government.”
- The General Services Administration (GSA) website Section508.gov provides a wealth of information about ICT accessibility, including online trainings courses and videos, testing methods and tools, and information on procurement of accessible ICT.
- The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) offers digital accessibility toolkits, staff training resources, and the TechCheck online self-assessment tool to evaluate whether your organization’s technology is accessible.
What Services Does Applied Development Offer to Support Digital Accessibility?
Applied Development’s Section 508 Compliance Services can help your organization ensure accessibility of everything from online documents to entire websites. We offer 508 compliance services, including document review and remediation, accessibility training, program evaluation and analysis, and policy development support for clients like the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS). Contact us to learn more about Applied Development’s Section 508 Compliance Services.