Accessibility Required of Recovery Act Projects, Access Board Advises

03.30.2009 - The U.S. Access Board, an independent federal agency that oversees compliance with federal accessibility regulation, has provided policy guidance regarding the mandated accessibility of projects funded by the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" [Public Law No. 111-5], alternately known as the "stimulus package." 

The Access Board notes that projects funded from the $787 billion measure must comply with federal accessibility laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and Rehabilitation Act, as well as the various standards that have been issued under these acts, including ADA standards for facilities and transportation vehicles, ABA standards for federally funded facilities, and standards for electronic and information technology issued under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

The Access Board offers more specific guidance on a variety of projects that may be funded by the Recovery Act, including facility construction and renovation, transportation systems, housing, streets and sidewalks, and outdoor environments and recreation facilities, and information technology.  Regarding the issue of information technology, the Access Board has observed that it is likely that Recovery Act money will be used to acquire or upgrade IT systems and infrastructure. Electronic and information technologies procured by federal agencies must be accessible under the Rehabilitation Act (Section 508) and meet the Board's Section 508 standards. 

These standards cover computer hardware and software, websites, phone systems, videos, copiers, and similar technologies. Non-federal entities are strongly encouraged to follow these standards voluntarily to make sure acquired technology is accessible. For more information on Section 508, the Access Board has a website at http://www.section508.gov.

[Sources: Access Board and Recovery.gov]

Additional Information:

Recovery Act website

[http://www.recovery.gov]

Access Board information on Recovery Act and Accessibility

[http://www.access-board.gov/recovery]