The Federal government strives to deliver a level of service comparable to that of the best private sector organizations, and as more government services move online, we have a responsibility to ensure equal access to those services, particularly for the
1 in 4 US adults—61 million Americans—living with a disability. All information technology (IT) purchased, built, maintained or used by U.S. Federal agencies is required by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to be accessible.
Aside from the legal requirements, accessibility is good for business. Creating products and information that everyone can use drives innovation, provides a better customer experience, and improves employee engagement. Accessibility helps you reach more stakeholders and, ultimately, achieve your agency’s mission.
Executive support for accessible IT is essential to increase compliance with Federal policy, and help agencies deliver a digital customer experience that is accessible to all. Drawn from successful practices in both government and the private sector, this guide aims to help Federal CIOs and senior executives improve the accessibility of our Federal IT, through advocacy, strong governance, and appropriate resourcing of accessibility business functions.
Benefits
Better accessibility supports many areas of information assurance, including security and privacy. Accessible websites are easier to maintain, inherently mobile-friendly, and retain customers by delivering a better customer experience. When we design IT systems to be accessible from the outset, we avoid having to make expensive retrofits to comply with policy, and reduce the risk of customer complaints and costly lawsuits. In addition, accessible and easy-to-use technology solutions can improve public perception of government.
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Benefits of Accessible Design include more customers, cost savings, and innovation
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More Benefits of Accessible Design from Deque
Management
IT Accessibility: An Overview for Government Executives
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Strong executive support for IT accessibility, and clear policies that drive action, will increase compliance and expand access to government services for citizens with disabilities.
Policy
Establish a policy that identifies how your agency will manage accessibility compliance, agency-wide.
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Incorporate Section 508 compliance activities into agency-wide policies and procedures, particularly in the areas of acquisition, software development, content management, cloud, human resources and civil rights complaints.
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Address accessibility throughout your agency’s software development lifecycle, from acquisition, through development, configuration, deployment, and maintenance; include digital content creation and management.
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Define clear roles and responsibilities.
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Develop a roadmap to increase transparency, strengthen accountability, and improve
collaboration around accessible technology at your agency.
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Review the Strategic Plan for Improving Management of Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act - OMB (PDF, January 2013)
Read the full guide here.