White House recharges effort to help people with disabilities use government technology

On the 21st anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act, the White House announced that federal agencies must make technology more accessible for people with disabilities.

The Obama Administration announced it is creating a strategy to achieve this goal by improving compliance with Section 508, a technology-oriented 1998 amendment to the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. Section 508 requires federal agencies' electronic and information technology to be accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities. The Administration said increased access to technology, including government websites, will allow more people with disabilities to apply for federal jobs and obtain government services and information. More access also could help current federal employees with disabilities perform their duties with greater ease.