Kelly,

508 does not require that Web sites have software to read text aloud. The
requirements are designed so that if an individual needs to access a site
using a personal computer equipped with screen reading software, the
individual will be able to do so. In other words, 508 attempts to remove
barriers to access by requiring Web sites to be constructed so that they are
accessible by a variety of assistive technologies.
--
John Moore, MLIS
Information Resources Coordinator
Texas Assistive Technology Partnership
The University of Texas, at Austin
SZB 252e D5100
Austin, TX 78712

(800) 828-7839
fax (512) 471-7549


> From: Kelly Ford <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: "Library Access --
> http://www.rit.edu/~easi"<[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 06:31:02 -0800
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Join open forum on sec 508 Webcast
>
> What is this about the 508 rules meaning screen reading or any software to
> read text outloud must be provided.  I don't believe that's any place in
> the regs.
>
> Kelly
>
> At 09:19 AM 12/26/00 -0500, you wrote:
>> NEW RULES WILL PROVIDE ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED
>> Disabled individuals may find it easier to use federal government Web sites
>> now that legislation mandating that those sites make themselves accessible
>> to the blind, the mobility-impaired, and others is going into effect. The
>> new rules say all but a few federal sites must provide features such as
>> keyboard navigation for those who cannot use a mouse and software that reads
>> text aloud for blind users. One agency already implementing the changes is
>> the Health Care Financing Administration, which
>> simplified the design of its Medicare portal for easier navigation and added
>> multiple languages and screen-reading
>> software. In the time since these changes occurred, the site has had twice
>> as many hits. The federal legislation could be the first step toward
>> requiring that private-sector Web sites be accessible to the disabled. The
>> Justice Department has already said it believes that the Americans With
>> Disabilities Act applies to Web sites, and a recent lawsuit by the National
>> Federation of the Blind against America Online used that law as its basis.
>> Although AOL settled that suit, many observers are unsure whether more sites
>> will be compelled to improve their accessibility.
>> (Wall Street Journal, 21 December 2000)