Ellen and all,

I too believe that Section 508 may be a big help to accessibility advocates in the long run.  However, 508 applies (ie, has legal teeth)for federal agencies, not the society at large.  There are even some federal agencies that are exempt. It may apply to some state functions when federal money is involved, maybe even state libraries.  That's still being teased out by the Department of Justice and others.  

But experts on 508 whom I've asked say that most libraries probably are not subject to the requirements of the statute.  Besides that, the federal accessibility standards still must go through a comment period from Congress.  At best, they won't be technically applicable even to federal entities until at least June of 2001. As far as libraries are concerned, we need to get an official legal opinion through appropriate channels. 

Section 508 may be a sign of things to come (let's support and work toward that bright time), but it's not there yet.  If, as we know, libraries are not yet compliant with the ADA and Section 504, which do apply to them, why ask them to wave the flag for or get excited about a statute that doesn't or might not?

Let's use Section 508 as an example, a shining bellweather, when we talk about the bigger issue of accessibility.  Let's talk about vendor reaction and the companies that are jumping on the bandwagon. Let's not tell libraries that 508 definately applies to them.  To do so would be a very negative thing, with potentially devestating backlash and loss of credibility for all of us who advocate for access for all, including people with disabilities.

Regards,
Audrey


>>> [log in to unmask] 01/02/01 15:55 PM >>>
Dear Accessibility Advocates-Everyone:

A happy, healthy, and thanks t the Access Board and the new
Section 508, ACCESSIBLE New Year!

Whatever meetings and sessions we attend at ALA Midwinter and
elsewhere, the "Digital Divide" program included, let us
celebrate the new Section 508 standards by making our slogan,
chorus, and refrain that we "sing" proudly in unison:

ACCESSIBILITY!

- The need for accessibility is universal.  Everyone needs
access, whether it be to healthcare, the local grocery store, the
Post Office, a mode of transportation (especially after a 20-foot
snowstorm), information, reading materials, or the Internet, etc.
So everyone inherently personally relates, appreciates, and thus
supports accessibility - when framed as "accessibility" in
positive terms.

- Accessibility is POSITIVE language at its finest. As Madison
Avenue teaches us so well: Positive Language Sells. Positive
Language Wins.*  Every Time.

[*ex. The title of the successfully passed "Children's Internet
Protection Act" - also an accessibility issue]

- Accessibility puts us at the top of every [English-language]
index, and through positive language, at the top of everyone's
agenda.

Ellen Perlow
Chair, ALA ASCLA Century Scholarship Committee
"Celebrating a New Century that Celebrates Diversity"
http://www.ala.org/ascla/centuryscholarship.html
Next Application Submission Deadline: March 1, 2001
ALA 2001 Scholarship Application page:
http://www.ala.org/work/awards/scholars.html
Have YOU recruited/applied to be a Century Scholarship applicant today?
----------------------------------------------------
Manager of Information Services
School of Library and Information Studies
Texas Woman's University
P.O. Box 425438
Denton, TX 76204-5438
Tel.: 940-898-2622  Fax: 940-898-2611
Web: http://twu.edu/~s_perlow/
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]