Federal Manager's Daily Report

Image: Reshetnikov_art/Shutterstock.com

A bipartisan group of senators has asked for a GAO review of compliance by federal agencies of requirements to make information accessible to persons with disabilities.

Compliance with the “Section 508” requirement of the Rehabilitation Act “is critical to ensuring a sizable share of the American public, including individuals with disabilities and seniors, can access government information and technology,” they said. However, “Accessibility challenges appear to exist across the government, raising important questions about the effectiveness od accountability mechanisms intended to monitor the accessibility of federal technology and whether they are being properly carried out.”

The letter said for example that those issues led to passage of a 2019 law specifically targeting the VA after findings that only 8 percent of its sites are fully compliant. Similarly, it said, a review last year found that the homepages for 30 percent of the most popular federal websites are not fully accessible, and a similar percentage lacked easily findable contact information to report accessibility issues. Other reported issues include for example lack of captioning on agency videos.

One of the senators, Robert Casey, D-Pa., chair of the Special Committee on Aging, also recently called on the Justice Department to restart biennial reports required under the law—but not issued since 2012—on agency compliance.

Vaccination Status No Longer Pertinent to Some Federal Workplace Safety Protocols

Vaccine Mandate Not ‘Currently’ in Effect, Task Force Stresses

Biden Signs Climate, Tax Bill with Polarizing IRS Workforce Boost

Decisions on Key Workplace Issues Left to September – and Likely Later

Biden Letter Likely Next Step Toward 4.6 Percent Fed Pay Raise

Bill before Senate Would Alter Retirement Savings, Distribution Policies

Lower-Performing Postal Facilities Share Common Personnel Issues, IG Says

See also,

What Are Desk Audits? Understanding Position Classification Appeals

Key Senate Bill Backs 4.6 Percent Raise, Would Ban Future Schedule F

Newly Offered Bills Show Sharply Differing Visions for Federal Workforce

Your FERS Annuity is Worth More Than You Think

Retiring from a Federal Job – Getting Started

2022 Federal Employees Handbook