Appendix 2-D. Accessibility Notice

This notice should be linked to by all AHRQ Web sites as part of the standard AHRQ footer at: http://www.ahrq.gov/accessibility.htm.

Overview

In keeping with its mission, AHRQ complies with accessibility requirements by implementing the regulations of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary's Section 508 Implementation Policy (http://www.hhs.gov/od/sec508_Implementation.html).

AHRQ would appreciate being notified of accessibility problems so that we can remediate them and better serve you.

Federal agencies are required, upon request, to provide information and data to individuals with disabilities through an alternative means of access that can be used by the individuals.

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Alternative Access to Web Information

Information from AHRQ Web sites should be accessible via screen readers and other accessibility tools with the exception of some pre-2001 information or links to content resident on Web sites that are not Federal Government resources. These materials include special accessibility notices to this effect.

If you need an alternative means of access to any information on AHRQ Web sites, please contact us through our public inquiries mailbox at: https://info.ahrq.gov. Let us know the nature of your accessibility problem, the Web address of the requested information, and your contact information.

If you need to convert PDF documents, Adobe® offers conversion tools at its Accessibly Resource Center (http://www.adobe.com/accessibility/index.html).

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Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements

Section 508 requires Federal agencies to ensure that individuals with disabilities who are members of the public or Federal employees have access to and use of electronic and information technology (EIT) that is comparable to that provided to individuals without disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. The requirements of Section 508 apply to an agency's procurement of EIT, as well as the agency's development, maintenance, or use of EIT.

Although Federal agencies have an explicit statutory obligation to make all EIT that they develop, procure, maintain, or use compliant with Section 508, individuals may only file complaints or lawsuits to enforce Section 508's requirements with respect to EIT systems procured or deployed on or after June 21, 2001. Learn more at FAR Final Rule (http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=13).

The Section 508 requirements do not apply retroactively to pre-existing EIT. However, as agencies upgrade and change their electronic and information technology, they must comply with the standards. Specifically, the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards: Economic Assessment (http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/assessment.htm) states that, "The standards are to be applied prospectively and do not require Federal agencies to retrofit existing electronic and information technology. As agencies upgrade and change their electronic and information technology, they must comply with the standards."

Federal agencies have additional responsibilities under Section 501 (http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=17) and Section 504 (http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=15) of the Rehabilitation Act. These sections require that agencies provide reasonable accommodation to employees with disabilities and provide program access to members of the public with disabilities and take other actions necessary to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability in their programs.

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More Information

• The HHS Office on Disability (http://www.hhs.gov/od/) oversees the implementation of Section 508 at HHS. Visit this site to learn more about the office's activities and leadership.
• The U.S. Access Board's Section 508 Homepage (http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm) provides information on Section 508 law, frequently asked questions, and standards.
• The Section 508 Homepage (http://www.section508.gov/) provides Section 508 tools, resources, standards, and news.

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