Accessibility

The National Center on Elder Abuse is committed to making its web site as accessible as possible to all users, without regard to disabilities and to comply with all relevant laws and regulations. If you need assistance -- due to a disability -- to access a page on our web site, you may:

At the bottom of every page there is a link labeled: FEEDBACK Select this link and you will be taken to a feedback page, which offers choices to your problem with that particular page. You may fill in the following areas of information:

• Type of Feedback
  • Questions about the website
  • Technical support
    
• Category
  • Problem with the Website
  • Question about the Website
  • Comment or Suggestions
  • Accessibility or 508 Compliance Issues
    
• Problem Information
  • Broken Link
  • Missing Images
  • Content Corrections
  • Section 508 Errors
  • Other
    
• Questions/Comments Details
  • Enter specific details

If you need additional assistance please contact us at 202-619-0724 and we will assist you by providing the information in a more accessible alternate format suitable to your needs. Please be sure to have available the url (web address) of the page where you are having difficulty.

If you require the use of a Relay Service, please call the Federal Relay Services - 1-800-877-8339. This is a toll free relay service to call federal agencies from TTY devices.

Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements:

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology (EIT), Federal employees with disabilities have comparable access to and use of information and data as Federal employees who have no disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, have comparable access to and use of information and data as the public without disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

Although Federal agencies have an explicit statutory obligation to make all EIT that they develop, maintain or use compliant with Section 508, the current emphasis is on newly procured EIT because it is the category that is explicitly enforceable by legal action. Procurement awards made on or after June 25, 2001, are subject to Section 508 (see FAR Final Rule).

According to the Access Board, the Section 508 requirements do not apply retroactively to pre-existing EIT. Specifically, the "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards: Economic Assessment," states that

"The standards are to be applied prospectively and do not require Federal agencies to retrofit existing electronic and information technology. As agencies upgrade and change their electronic and information technology, they must comply with the standards."

It should be noted, however, that other Federal regulations and guidelines (e.g., Section 501 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) require equal access for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, Federal agencies are required, upon request, to provide information and data to individuals with disabilities through an alternative means of access that can be used by the individuals.

To Learn More

• The HHS Office on Disability (OD) oversees the implementation of Section 508 at HHS. Visit this site to learn more about the OD's activities and leadership.
• The U.S. Access Board's Section 508 Homepage provides information on Section 508 law, frequently asked questions, and standards.
• The Section 508 Homepage provides Section 508 tools, resources, standards, and news.