Independent Living Research Utilization

Introduction

Interpreters Membership Insurance

by Linda Allen

This list contains the telephone numbers and Internet addresses of federal agencies and other organizations that provide information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and informal guidance in understanding and complying with different provisions of the ADA.

The Telecommunications Act requires that telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers make their services and equipment accessible to persons with disabilities, to the extent that it is readily achievable to do so.

Access to telecommunications for people with disabilities is a good idea. But it's more than that; it's also the law. The Telecommunications Act of 1996, a comprehensive law overhauling regulation of the telecommunications industry, recognizes the importance of access to telecommunications for people with disabilities in the Information Age. Accessibility is addressed in section 255 of the law. The Access Board has issued this bulletin to explain this section of the law and the Board's guidelines for accessible telecommunications products. The information presented here is intended solely as informal guidance and is not a determination of the legal rights or responsibilities of entities subject to section 255.

On August 7, 1998, President Clinton signed into law the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 which covers access to federally funded programs and services. The law strengthens section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and requires access to electronic and information technology provided by the Federal government. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Federal agencies must ensure that this technology is accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities to the extent it does not pose an "undue burden." Section 508 speaks to various means for disseminating information, including computers, software, and electronic office equipment. It applies to, but is not solely focused on, Federal pages on the Internet or the World Wide Web. It does not apply to web pages of private industry.

The purpose of this technical assistance document is to ensure successful implementation of section 508.

Both e-learning and the amended Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act are at the beginning stages of implementation. This can make the implementation of either difficult to understand for both the program office responsible for e-learning and the contracting office. This paper is written to aid them in their understanding of the issues and processes in purchasing the best e-learning solution while being in compliance with the provisions of Section 508 as amended.

(DOJ & HUD) This statement provides technical assistance regarding the rights and obligations of persons with disabilities and housing providers under the Act relating to reasonable accommodations.

(DOJ & HUD) The guidance is designed to help housing providers and homeowners’ associations better understand their obligations and help persons with disabilities better understand their rights regarding the “reasonable modifications” provision of the federal Fair Housing Act.