OMB reminds agencies to comply with Section 508 
From: Government Computer News - 08/29/2005 - page 5
By: Mary Mosquera 

The General Services Administration has developed an electronic guide to help
agencies comply with Section 508 requirements to make electronic data
accessible to federal employees and members of the public with disabilities.  

The Office of Management and Budget highlighted GSA’s Buy Accessible Wizard
in a memo to CIOs and chief acquisition officers that reiterates the
importance of complying with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and
directing agencies to technical assistance.  

Agencies must follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation for Section 508,
including adhering to standards for accessibility by persons with
disabilities when purchasing electronic and IT products and services.  

"Making the federal government accessible will require continued coordination
among agencies, the Chief Acquisition Officers Council, the Chief Information
Officers Council and our industry partners," said David Safavian, Office of
Federal Procurement Policy administrator, and Karen Evans, OMB e-government
and IT administrator, in a letter last week.  

GSA’s wizard can determine if Section 508 applies to an acquisition, identify
which standards apply, develop wording for a procurement solicitation and
document the compliance.  

Government purchase cardholders may also use the wizard to ensure compliance
when making micropurchases, which are no longer exempt from Section 508
requirements, the memo said.  

GSA hosted an industry day August 30th to showcase assistive technologies. 

Story from:
http://www.gcn.com/vol1_no1/accessibility/36687-1.html

Links:

GSA's wizard:
http://www.buyaccessible.gov

More information on best practices and training is available at:
http://www.section508.gov

GCN Section 508 articles:
http://www.gcn.com/accessibility/