Section 508

The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) recently released its semi-annual regulatory agenda with 47 proposed and final Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules.

Kevin Lynch, president and chief executive officer for the National Industries for the Blind will discuss the organizations mission, its role in the procurement system, and the evolving role of e-Commerce in federal procurement. September 4, 2018

The U.S. Access Board finalized new requirements for IT and communications technology under Sections 508 and 255 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Accessibility for all promotes open government and transparency, but it can also be a burden on agencies’ Freedom of Information offices. That’s where the U.S. Access Board, and a pending final rule, can help.

The U.S. Access Board released its long-awaited proposed rule to update accessibility guidelines for federal information and communication technology. Some of the changes are significant, others are subtle.

Terry Weaver, president of Weaver Consulting, discusses an overhauled version of Section 508 regulations. Jamison Cush, chief editor of TechTarget’s Technology Guide, talks about the new BlackBerry Z-10. Tom Lee, director of Sunlight Labs, explains what’s behind “Docket Wrench,” a new tool to make it easier to track actions related to proposed rules.

Steven VanRoekel, the federal chief information officer, and Office of Federal Procurement Policy Administrator Joe Jordan issued a memo detailing a new strategic plan after a recent Justice Department compliance survey found mixed results. This is the fourth memo since 2005 from the Office of Management and Budget trying to get agencies to meet the law’s requirements. David Capozzi, executive director of the Access Board, said new 508 regulations could be to OMB for approval this spring.

Eric Green of NIH talks about his agency’s search for a top data scientist. Dr. Elizabeth Stanley of Georgetown University discusses a new meditation program she helped develop for the Marine Corps. David Capozzi of the Access Board discusses new access standards for agencies. William Pretzer of the National Museum of African American History and Culture talks about trolling the inauguration for presidential memorabilia.

The survey found lack of resources, awareness and training were the most common challenges in complying with Section 508. Fifteen percent of agency components said they could not identify any challenges to 508 compliance.

A new Bureau of Labor Statistics report provides the latest information on how the federal government compares with other industry in hiring persons with disabilities. The report comes as the White House and the Labor Department are pressing agencies and contractors to hire more persons with disabilities. New recruitment and hiring strategies are due in September.