Advocating for Dignity and Choice for Persons
with Developmental Disabilities
August 4, 2011
White House Disability Group Anouncement Improving Section 508
As part of the White House's continued role and commitment in helping enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act, on the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Obama Administration announced "new efforts that will continue support increased employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and will also help make the government more open and accessible to all citizens, including working on a draft of a "strategic plan to improve compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act."
What does this mean for those with disabilities? "Section 508 requires that federal agencies' electronic and information technology be accessible to people with disabilities, both inside and outside the government." Despite efforts of past administration and the governments involvement to enforce all aspects of the Disabilities Act, technological improvements are still wanting and "barriers still exist." All of which, limits the ability of disabled persons to interact with the federal government both within the government structure and those on the outside.
The strategic plan is designed to improve electronic and information technology including websites, computers, telephones, fax machines, and other technology. 508 compliance means equal access for job applicants and retention of federal employees improving performance of duties. This strategy and enforcement of Section 508, according to the White House, "will make the government more open and accessible as people with disabilities will be able to better access all the information the federal government has placed online."
We need your help to help them.
Help us to make a difference in the lives of these children.
Answers to your questions.