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Accessibility at the Department

Logo for IMPACT: Information Management Program for Accessible Computer/Communication Technology

Welcome to IMPACT

The Department of State IRM Program for Accessible Computer/Communication Technology (IMPACT) serves as the Department's resource for achieving program, technology, and information accessibility for all employees, customers, and general public. This includes providing assistance to all bureaus in their implementation of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as legislatively mandated.

Section 508

The Section 508 statute, PDF, requires that Federal agencies' Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT) is accessible to people with disabilities, including employees and members of the public.

Section 508 establishes requirements for any Electronic and Information Technology developed, maintained, procured, or used by the federal government. The term "Electronic and Information Technology" has been defined by the US Access Board, that is consistent with section 5002(3) of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401(3)), in regulations published December 21, 2001, CFR 36 Part 1194, under the subparagraph 'Definitions". The Access Board, also, established the criteria to meet the requirements of paragraph 1 on the Workforce Investment Act, Section 508, Electronic and Information Technology.

For More Information:

Federal Accessibility Statutes

  • Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1973, as amended 
  • Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1973, as amended, Title V (subparagraphs):
    • Section 501: Employment of Individuals with Disabilities
    • Section 502: Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
    • Section 503: Employment Under Federal Contracts
    • Section 504: Nondiscrimination Under Federal Grants and Programs
    • Section 505: Remedies and Attorney's Fees
    • Section 506: Secretarial Responsibilities
    • Section 507: Interagency Disability Coordinating Council
    • Section 508: Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Guidelines
    • Section 509: Protect and Advocacy of Individual Rights

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