Comments Due on Disability Rules

Comments are due March 23 on proposed federal acquisition regulations on electronic and information technology accessibility referred to as Section 508.

The proposed regulation, published in the Federal Register Jan. 22, implements standards on technology accessibility issued Dec. 21, 2000, by the Access Board. The board is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 requires that agencies develop, procure, maintain and use electronic and information technologies that are accessible to people with disabilities, unless it poses an undue burden.

The Access Board standards tell government agencies ? and companies that sell technology to government ? how to make their computers, software, networks, copy machines and Web sites compliant.

Federal agencies will have to comply with the rules beginning June 21.