The Basics of Buying Accessible Products and Services

Accessibility, the “A” in DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), is a foundation on which the federal workforce must build diversity, equity, and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Learn the basics of buying accessible information and communications technology (ICT), and discover how you can help ensure that electronic information is accessible to everyone.

During our discussion, panelists from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and U.S. Access Board (USAB) will discuss key concepts such as:

• Adding Section 508 requirements in solicitations
• Product Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACR)
• Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

Moderator

• Michael Horton – Senior ICT Accessibility Specialist, GSA

Panelists

• Andrew Nielson – Government-wide IT Accessibility Director, GSA
• Bruce Bailey – ICT Accessibility Specialist, USAB
• Megan Reed – Acquisitions Branch Chief, GSA
• Robert Jolly – Product Manager, GSA

Related Resources

• Executive Order (14035) on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines
• Integrating Accessibility into Agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Implementation Plans
• Digital.gov Accessibility Resources
• PlainLanguage.gov

Contact Information

U.S. Access Board

• Website: http://www.access-board.gov
• Email: 508@access-board.gov

Government-wide IT Accessibility Program Management Office (PMO)

• Website: https://www.section508.gov
• Email: Section.508@gsa.gov

The IT Accessibility and Section 508 CoP is a group of federal employees who manage agency Section 508 programs or create electronic content. They work to create accessible online experiences for federal employees and members of the public.