As a federal government agency, we must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
What does Section 508 require?
Section508 requires us to ensure that people with disabilities can access and use electronic and information technology (EIT) -- unless doing so would cause us undue burden.
This applies when we purchase EIT and as we develop, maintain, and use it.
Who does this impact?
Anyone with a disability. This is someone with a mental or physical condition which limits their life activities.
Examples
- Epilepsy
- Autism
- Limited language, memory, thinking, and learning
- Deafness or hearing loss
- Blindness or low vision
- Unable to see color
- Non-verbal or limited speech
- Limited use of hands or fingers
What content must be accessible?
All content that the public can access or that's internal and official.
Examples
- Web, social media, and mobile technologies
- Printers, scanners, phones, and kiosks
- Software we use but did not purchase
- Email, PDFs, and Microsoft Office documents
- Survey questions, template, or form
- Training materials
- Administrative claim or proceeding decision
- Program, policy, or emergency notice
- Benefits, eligibility, job opportunity, or employee action
If content is not accessible, we risk legal action.
What's a telecommunication relay service (TRS)?
A TRS is a free service. It allows someone who is deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired to communicate with someone who uses a standard telephone.
A TRS offers two options:
- Voice carry-over (VCO) allows a person with a hearing impairment to speak directly to the other party. The CA then reads the typed response.
- Hearing carry-over (HCO) allows a person with a speech impairment to listen to the other party and relay the typed response to the telephone user through the CA.
Note: All relay calls are private.
How do I use a TRS?
To reach a TRS, dial 711. The CA will then place the 10-digit call for you. The CA will relay the conversation exactly as they receive it.
You can:
- Dial 711 anywhere in the United States
- Choose which long-distance company to use
Note: In an emergency, teletypewriter (TTY) or text telephone device (TDD) users can call 911, instead of 711.
Where can I learn more?
Visit Federal Communication Commission (FCC)'s TTY-Based Telecommunications Relay Service.
What do you provide your employees and job applicants?
Our Office of Civil Rights, Diversity, and Inclusion (OCRDI):
- Manages our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint process
- Processes reasonable accommodations
- Provides technical assistance on civil rights laws and regulations
- Helps with Selective Placement Coordination and Schedule A hiring opportunities
- Increases diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
Contact us
Email HRSAAccessibility@hrsa.gov with questions or problems. (Include the web address/link to the page.)