GSA said that three-fourths of the reporting agency entities fell in what it termed the lowest level of conformance and maturity. Image: DCStockPhotography/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffFederal agency compliance with requirements to make their information and communications technology accessible to people with disabilities “is well below expectations given the federal government has had over 20 years” to comply, the GSA has said.
In a review ordered by a budget law of those so-called “Section 508” requirements—named for where they are found in the Rehabilitation Act—the GSA said that three-fourths of the reporting agency entities fell in what it termed the lowest level of conformance and maturity.
Of the self-reported top ten viewed intranet and internet pages, top ten viewed electronic documents, and top five viewed videos, on average less than 30 percent fully conform to Section 508 standards, it added.
Other key findings included that many reporting entities “rarely or only sometimes” address accessibility considerations when executing their mission or conducting related support activities, such as communicating, training or acquiring products; and that policies, procedures and practices “lack requirements and accountability sufficient to build, buy, maintain and use” compliant technology.
Recommendations included holding vendors accountable for conformant deliverables prior to acceptance; increasing internal agency oversight of compliance; strengthening accountability of leadership; and mandatory annual Section 508 training for those who regularly create electronic content and digital products or have influence in procurement and development of covered technology.
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