Real Talk: A Conversation with a Section 508 Program Manager

Date & Time

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 3:20 PM PDT  

Location

Grand GH  

Description

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires the US Federal Government to buy, build, and implement Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that is accessible to all its employees and members of the public. Section 508 Program Managers are responsible for a wide array of functions ensuring digital accessibility through ICT acquisition, development, electronic content creation, agency policy, compliance enforcement, outreach and training, and much more. This presentation by the Section 508 Program Manager from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shares stories and real-world examples of the triumphs and challenges of building, maturing, and leading large Section 508/Digital Accessibility Programs. Relevant for both novice and experienced IT and program management professionals alike, this presentation defines the key components of a digital accessibility program, including ensuring digital accessibility requirements and processes are defined for acquisition, ICT development, communications, websites, policy development, and more. Since the US Federal Government overwhelmingly buys more technology than it builds in-house, guidance on how to build accessibility requirements into acquisition processes, including understanding the accessibility of a commercial product, will be presented. The presentation concludes with a summary of best practices on making ICT accessible within the workplace.

This Presentation Link is provided by the Presenter(s) and not hosted by the Center on Disabilities at CSUN. The Center on Disabilities has confirmed, as of March 26, 2024, content linked is relevant to the presentation, but has not been reviewed for accessibility nor will the Center on Disabilities attempt to remediate any accessibility issues in the linked content. Please contact the Presenter(s) with any accessibility concerns.

 

Audience

• Higher Education
• Information & Communications Technology
• Government
• Manufacturing
• Administration & Business Support

Audience Level

Intermediate  

Session Summary (Abstract)

Section 508 Program Managers are responsible for ensuring digital accessibility throughout their Agencies. Learn best practices as experienced leaders from NASA and CDC share stories of the triumphs and challenges of leading accessibility programs.  

Primary Topic

Information & Communications Technology (ICT)  

Secondary Topics

• Digital Accessibility
• Employment & Workplace
• Law, Compliance, and Policy
• Leadership & Strategy

 

Session Type

General Track  

Presenter

• Betsy Sirk
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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