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1. What is the purpose of this directive?
2. Is this a new directive?
3. What are the authorities for this directive?
4. What is the FHWA policy regarding Section 508?
5. What are the Section 508 definitions?
6. What does Section 508 require?
7. Why is Section 508 important?
8. What are the roles and responsibilities?
9. Where can I get more information?

1. What is the purpose of this directive? This directive issues guidance on compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 508), explains the various roles and responsibilities of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under Section 508, and provides resources for additional information.

2. Is this a new directive? Yes. This is a new directive, and it does not cancel an existing FHWA directive.

3. What are the authorities for this directive?

   1. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S. Code (U.S.C.) 794d.

   2. Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards, 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1194.

   3. Departmental Information Resource Management Manual (DIRMM) Chapter 2, Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility, Version 3, dated October 24, 2003.

4. What is the FHWA policy regarding Section 508? It is the policy of FHWA that the Washington Headquarters and field offices will comply with all of the requirements of Section 508.

5. What are the Section 508 definitions?

   1. EIT - electronic and information technology. The term "electronic and information technology" includes, but is not limited to, telecommunications products (such as telephones), information kiosks and transaction machines, World Wide Web sites, multimedia, and office equipment such as copiers and fax machines.

   2. Requiring official - officials in the program office or organization that funds and acquires EIT.

   3. Section 508 - refers to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

6. What does Section 508 require? Section 508 requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use EIT, they shall ensure that EIT allows Federal employees with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of information and data by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the Federal agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to members of the public without disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the Federal agency.

7. Why is Section 508 important? Section 508 is considered a major piece of civil rights legislation that benefits people with disabilities. Successful implementation of Section 508 will ensure that the Federal government continues to be a model employer of people with disabilities as well as ensure that members of the public with disabilities have access to Federal information and data.

8. What are the roles and responsibilities? The roles and responsibilities for complying with Section 508 are detailed in DIRMM Chapter 2. By statute, the FHWA's requiring officials are responsible for ensuring that EIT purchased by the FHWA conforms with the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards in 36 CFR Part 1194.

9. Where can I get more information? A Section 508 website is posted on Staffnet at http://staffnet.fhwa.dot.gov/508. If you have further questions about the Section 508 requirements, contact the Office of Information and Management Services, Information Technology Division (HAIM-40).