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GSA's Information Resources Management (IRM) Service is working with other agencies to provide information environments that are accessible by people with disabilities. Some people with limited hearing, vision, or mobility require enhancements to existing information technology in order to effectively use workrelated information or public information services. The Federal government in its role as a major employer and information technology consumer is using its "buying power" in the marketplace to communicate to industry its policy to acquire information technology products and services that are usable by people with disabilities. This policy is based on two recent laws, Pub.L. 100542 and Pub.L. 102-569. These laws address the requirement that the acquisition and management of Federal Information Processing (FIP) resources be conducted in a manner that ensures access to computer and telecommunications products and services by employees with disabilities and citizens with disabilities accessing public information services. The implementing regulations for these laws are contained in the Federal Information Resources Management Regulation (FIRMR), 41 CFR Chapter 201.

This handbook discusses how to integrate information accessibility into the overall IRM process. By making the evolving information systems and services of the Federal government readily usable by people with disabilities, both the individual and the Federal government benefit significantly. Individuals with disabilities are afforded equivalent rights and opportunities. Agencies benefit significantly from the ability to recruit and retain quality employees and the ability to effectively interact with all clients, including those with disabilities.

The statutory requirements of the Federal government to accommodate people with disabilities are now complemented by similar responsibilities nationwide due to the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Although several industry trends, such as the graphical user interface, have inadvertently threatened continued use of computers by blind individuals, the growing national commitment to accessibility is likely to ensure that the initial speech output limitations of these designs are overcome and accessibility will prevail.

Continued commitment is required to overcome remaining obstacles to access. The availability of costeffective enhancements to support most individual access requirements currently exceeds effective utilization. GSA's Clearinghouse on Computer Accommodation together with agencies' own technical support programs are assisting managers to become familiar with accessibility management procedures, products, and services that accommodate the information resource needs of people with disabilities.

Targeted Audience

The primary audience for this publication is IRM managers and program managers in the Federal government who want to understand how to respond to accessibility needs of Federal personnel and the public. The handbook consists of four parts: 1) introduction to information accessibility, 2) how to incorporate accessibility into agency practice, 3) the types of accommodation products available to achieve access, and 4) appendices. The appendices add a level of detail that will be needed primarily by personnel responsible for integrating access practices into technical support services.

There are a number of other individuals who may find this handbook useful. After reading the main body of the document, specific appendices may have more applicability to certain groups of readers:

• People with disabilities Federal employees with disabilities need to be aware of the requirements for accessible information resources in the Federal government. Individuals with newly acquired disabilities may find the accommodation resources and information section (Appendices C, D, and E) helpful in identifying resources for assistance.
• Procurement officials The text of the statutes and applicable Federal Information Resources Management Regulation (FIRMR) excerpts are provided in appendices F, G, H, and I. Procurement officials involved in drafting requests for proposals for information processing equipment and services may be particularly interested in Appendix B which contains possible proposal elements that may be adapted to meet the agency's need.
• Personnel and Equal Employment Opportunity professionals It is critical for personnel and EEO specialists to be acquainted with the range of information technology accommodations possible so they can help managers understand how qualified people with disabilities can do the job when provided with the appropriate tools. After reading the body of the document, the appendices focusing on accommodation resources and information (Appendices C, D, and E) may also be helpful.
• Information processing industry professionals Industry professionals who are informed on the needs and considerations for accessible information environments within the Federal government are in a position to become catalysts for better accessibility in the future. As the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) places similar accommodation requirements upon the private sector, those industry professionals capable of meeting accessibility requirements in the Federal government will be able to respond to the needs from within their own companies and the expanding market created by ADA.

Duplication

There are no copyrights on this document. Agencies, organizations, companies, individuals, and others are welcome to copy this document in whole or in part. COCA does ask that we are credited appropriately. This document is offered free of charge and may not be sold. This handbook is also available in flat ASCII format on a 5 1/4" or 3 1/2" disk.

Go back to Table of Contents or go on to section 1 of Managing Information Resources for Accessibility.