Having also done a lot of work on 508 from a different perspective, the
postsecondary one, let me make the following comments. You will find a copy
of our position on this at: http://tap.orst.edu/Policy/508brief.htm
It is the USDE's current position that states are bound by Section 508 due
to their participation in the Tech Act, and its reratification the Assistive
Technology Act. Since it is a cause of differing opinions it is important to
note that the rewrite of the Tech Act did not include the 508 application
language. It must also be noted that many legal experts in the field are
taking the position that the USDE has exceeded its statutory authority in
reaching this conclusion.
Since I am of the camp that it still applies, since it was not rescinded in
the rewrite, it is also important to note that it only applies to "State
Agencies" in the states that are participants in the Tech Act, which all
are. So one of the primary determinants for public colleges and universities
is are you a "state agency"? The answer to this question is not always yes.
There is an interesting development on this front currently occurring in
California. The Cal Community Colleges have issued a statement on 508
compliance for there system, and it is my understanding that the Cal State
system has decided it does not apply. I have attached a copy of the CC
letter, and if anyone could provide me with the Cal State document I would
appreciate it.
For the best and most current information on Section 508 I would recommend
you use the www.section508.gov site.
Ron Stewart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ron Stewart, Director
Technology Access Program
Information Services
Oregon State University
109 Kidder Hall
Corvallis, Oregon 97331
Phone: 1.541.737.7307
Fax: 1.541.737.2159
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
WWW: http://tap.orst.edu
-----Original Message-----
From: Carol Boyer [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2001 2:35 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Schools under Section 508
Regarding Steve Noble's comments:
"First of all, colleges and universities in states which have adopted
Section 508 as a state standard by passing state laws or issuing state
policies to that effect certainly are already bound by Section 508.
However, the Department of Education has taken the position that all states
are bound to follow Section 508 Access Standards by virtue of a prior signed
assurance to that effect required to receive funding under the Assistive
Technology Act. One of the best examples of the USDE's rationale for the
application of section 508 to the states can be found at:
http://www.resna.org/taproject/policy/initiatives/nidrrassur.html"
I want to thank Steve for the nice kudos for our website-the RESNA Technical
Assistance Project.
In addition, those on this list may want to check out one of our many other
pages on our Section 508 area that focuses on what the Assistive Technology
Act projects are doing to implement Section 508-type of policies and
activities at their states and territories at:
http://www.resna.org/taproject/policy/initiatives/508.html#ata
Also, I wrote an article for Library Hi-Tech News last June (2000) which
outlines what public libraries may need to know about Section 508 at:
http://www.resna.org/taproject/policy/initiatives/508/boyer.html.
In general, we have a pretty comprehensive 508 page.
Carol Boyer
Project Associate
RESNA Technical Assistance Project
1700 N. Moore Street, Suite 1540
Arlington, VA 22209
703/524-6686, x- 309 (V)
703/524-6639 (TTY)
703/524-6630 (Fax)
[log in to unmask]
http://www.resna.org/taproject
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