Overview of the accessibility forum activities

Abstract

Implementation of Section 508 and the Access Board standard for accessible Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) will require a massive education effort as well as a number of initiatives to develop procedures for measurement, reporting and comparison of product accessibility. One of these is the Accessibility Forum, an ongoing collaboration among stakeholders affected by Section 508 including user, industry, government, and other communities in order to benefit employees and members of the public with disabilities. The Forum will identify, prioritize and conduct projects that assist government in making informed decisions about Section 508 related procurement, and allow government, industry, and users to communicate and highlight areas where further effort is needed. The meeting brought together a very diverse set of stakeholders with a great interest in seeing Section 508 effectively implemented. Participants came from over 300 organizations that include electronic and information technology (EIT) industry, assistive technology industry, advocacy associations for people with disabilities, academic, research, standards groups, and government procurement and information technology representatives. The Accessibility Forum meetings are open to all interested stakeholders and membership is offered on an equal basis. GSA is providing an experienced Program Director, two Govemment technical experts in the field, and professional support staff contracted to carry on the day-today efforts of the coalition. The Forum staff organizes and serves as facilitators at meetings. They also provide support in research, meeting coordination and planning, publicity activities, and membership efforts. • AT Vendors-Vendors and integrators of Assistive Technology (AT) including any equipment commonly used to enhance functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. • Users-End users and their advocacy groups are representatives of the community of people with disabilities. • Academic, Research, and Standards-Academic and other researchers specializing in accessibility, and representatives of standards making bodies related to EIT accessibility and/or AT interoperability. • Government-Representatives of Federal Government agencies. Each member organization provides one coordinated response on questions before the Forum. An organization may provide multiple participants for any forum work effort and 6