flora: Picture of several lily pads - a lotus blossom surrounded by three green leaves. (lily pad)
flora ([personal profile] flora) wrote in [community profile] accessibility_fail2010-06-21 07:59 am

New ADA & section 508 regulations - public comments due today June 21

Short notice, but the U.S. government is rewriting the ADA and Section 508 regulations for Information and Communications Technology.  These are the laws that describe how American companies and government websites need to be accessible.   I thought some folks in this community might be interested in commenting on the draft legislation. 

The US Access Board (the agency writing this) is especially looking for ideas on making government websites accessible to people with cognitive disabilities. They also want input on what should and should not be reasonable exceptions to the law.

The ADA revision is very short, but far-reaching.  A new section now covers walk-up kiosk interfaces, not just ATMs.  For example, if you've ever ordered food in a restaurant or cafeteria using a touch-screen, the new ADA law would apply there.

The first public comment period ends today (Monday) June 21 at midnight Eastern time. 

Press release:
http://www.access-board.gov/news/ict-hearing-may.htm

Draft Regulations for comment:
http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#docketDetail?R=ATBCB-2010-0001

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