Framework for Designing and Implementing Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Strategic Plans - Publication of the Week →

The Accessible Technology in the Workplace Initiative at Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment (ODEP) has drafted a paper to help employers develop a corporate-wide, comprehensive strategic plan for adopting and implementing accessible ICT corporate policies, practices and procedures in their own workplace.

AccessibleTech.org - Website of the Week →

AccessibleTech.org aims to promote full and unrestricted participation in business and society by persons with disabilities through the use of electronic information technology that is universally accessible.

The site includes information and resources on:

Accessible Technology — Accessible information technology is technology that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Accessible technology is either directly accessible -in other words, it is usable without assistive technology - or it is compatible with standard assistive technology. Each user is able to interact with the technology in ways that work best for him or her.

Information Technology (IT) is essential and ubiquitous in today’s business environment. However, Information Technology at times also create barriers for individuals with disabilities, especially for people unable to operate a standard keyboard or mouse. People may experience access issues using technology ranging from computers and web sites to the telephone and photocopiers. This section of the website includes categories such as: e-learning, general Information, legal Issues, operating systems, policy issues, resources, as well as information on self-contained, telecommunications, video and media products, and software and web-based applications.

Assistive Technology — is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform or improve functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Assistive technology can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies. Through the use of assistive technology people can keep working or regain employment. Assistive technology in the work place can range from a simple pointing device to a sophisticated screen reading program.

This section of the website includes categories such as: general information, legal and policy issues, telecommunications products and web-based information and applications.

Americans with Disabilities Act Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) —Accessible Tech provides their responses to questions, and their respective answers in one of three categories: Employment, Businesses and Public Accommodation, and Miscellaneous FAQ’s.

AccessibleTech.org is a project of the ADA National Network.

Bureau of Internet Accessibility - Website of the Week →

The Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA.org) offers free Web site accessibility analysis using Section 508 standards, WCAG 2.0 standards and checks for broken links. As the landscape of internet technology changes, it’s important for companies, especially those who serve individuals with disabilities, to ensure that content is accessible and continue to work to improve accessibility.

We recently used BoIA for a scan and found it immensely helpful. Give it a try today!

IRS provides assistance for people with disabilities

Individuals who are blind or visually impaired can download hundreds of the most popular federal tax forms and publications from IRS.gov. These products range from accessible PDFs to e-Braille formats and are accessible using screen reading software and refreshable Braille displays. Visit the IRS Accessibility page to download these forms and publications. Also, view a video that highlights IRS products and services available for people with disabilities.

Tax Return preparation help is also available         

People who are unable to complete their tax return because of a physical disability may get assistance from a local IRS Tax Assistance Center or through a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or Tax Counseling for the Elderly site (VITA or TCE). To find a Tax Assistance Center near you, click on contact IRS, on IRS.gov and then select contact your local IRS office. You can also find a nearby VITA or TCE location by calling 1-800-906-9887. The IRS sponsors VITA and TCE. Publication 907, Tax Highlights for Persons with Disabilities, explains the tax implications of certain disability benefits and other issues, and is available at IRS.gov.

Visit www.www.IRS.gov and enter “accessibility” in the Search box for more information.  

Virtual Forum on Improving Access to Federal IT to be Held September 8

From an United States Access Board alert:

The U.S. Access Board and the Chief Information Officers Council will conduct an online listening session, with a dial-in option, on ways to improve access to information technology in the federal sector for people with disabilities on September 8 from 2:00 to 5:00 (E). This forum will provide an opportunity for members of the public to suggest steps the federal government can take to improve its acquisition and implementation of accessible technology under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Information is also sought on emerging technologies that may pose barriers to access. People with disabilities, advocates, technology companies, government employees and other interested parties are invited to participate.

Participants can attend by logging onto the webinar, which will be captioned, or by calling in according to the instructions posted on the Board’s website. Advance registration is not required.

This session is the last in a series held over the past year as part of an administration initiative to improve the access to government information. Under this effort, the Board and the CIO Council, along with the Chief Acquisition Officers Council and the General Services Administration, have organized these listening sessions to engage with citizens, federal employees, and other stakeholders and to collect their comments, ideas, and recommendations. Previous sessions took place in Chicago (September), Washington, D.C. (December), San Diego (March), and Silicon Valley (June).

A published notice provides additional details and background information on the session. For further information, contact Tim Creagan of the Access Board at creagan@access-board.gov, (202) 272-0016 (v), or (202) 272-0074 (TTY).

Section508.gov - Website of the Week →

Section508.gov provides resources for understanding and implementing accessibility in electronic content. Section 508 is a 1998 amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that requires all federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.

Section508.gov was created to provide accessibility guidance for those in the federal sector who are responsible for the design and implementation of electronic materials. It also offers a myriad of tools and resources for federal employees with disabilities. 

While the core audience of Section508.gov are federal employees, contractors and those who work closely with the federal sector, the resources provided are useful to anyone who wants to address the issue of electronic accessibility.

AccessibleTech.org - Website of the Week →

AccessibleTech.org aims to promote full and unrestricted participation in business and society by persons with disabilities through the use of electronic information technology that is universally accessible.

The site includes information and resources on:

Accessible Technology — Accessible information technology is technology that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Accessible technology is either directly accessible -in other words, it is usable without assistive technology - or it is compatible with standard assistive technology. Each user is able to interact with the technology in ways that work best for him or her.

Information Technology (IT) is essential and ubiquitous in today’s business environment. However, Information Technology at times also create barriers for individuals with disabilities, especially for people unable to operate a standard keyboard or mouse. People may experience access issues using technology ranging from computers and web sites to the telephone and photocopiers. This section of the website includes categories such as: e-learning, general Information, legal Issues, operating systems, policy issues, resources, as well as information on self-contained, telecommunications, video and media products, and software and web-based applications.

Assistive Technology — is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform or improve functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Assistive technology can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies. Through the use of assistive technology people can keep working or regain employment. Assistive technology in the work place can range from a simple pointing device to a sophisticated screen reading program.

This section of the website includes categories such as: general information, legal and policy issues, telecommunications products and web-based information and applications.

Americans with Disabilities Act Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Accessible Tech provides their responses to questions, and their respective answers in one of three categories: Employment, Businesses and Public Accommodation, and Miscellaneous FAQ’s.

AccessibleTech.org is a project of the ADA National Network.

Check out Yahoo’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 20th Anniversary page. Lots of great stories about the ADA and accessibility advances in the past twenty years. Lots of great work done, but still, much more to do.

http://events.yahoo.com/accessibility/2010/