Thread Subject: 508 vs. 255

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From: Day Al-Mohamed
Date: Wed, Dec 20 2006 2:50 PM

Documentation and Support Services ? 508 Compared to 255 (Text Version)
As was mentioned in the last meeting I would put this information on the list. Below is a point by point comparison of the language of 508 and 255. The only thing to remember is the fact that they have slightly different goals, one is a ?push? and the other is a ?pull.? - day

POINT 1
Section 508
1194.41 (a) Product support documentation provided to end-users shall be made available in alternate formats upon request, at no additional charge.
Section 255
§1193.33(a)(2) Providing end-user product documentation in alternate formats or alternate modes upon request at no additional charge;

POINT 2
Section 508
1194.41 (b) End-users shall have access to a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of products in alternate formats or alternate methods upon request, at no additional charge.
Section 255
§1193.33(a)(1) Providing a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of the product upon request, including, as needed, in alternate formats or alternate modes at no additional charge;

POINT 3
Section 508
1194.41 (c) (c) Support services for products shall accommodate the communication needs of end-users with disabilities.
Section 255
§1193.33(a)(3) Ensuring usable customer support and technical support in the call centers and service centers which support their products at no additional charge.

255 Provisions not mapped from 508.
§1193.51(a) External electronic access to all information and control mechanisms. Information needed for the operation of products (including output, alerts, icons, on-line help, and documentation) shall be available in a standard electronic text format on a cross-industry standard port and all input to and control of a product shall allow for real time operation by electronic text input into a cross-industry standard external port and in cross-industry standard format. The cross-industry standard port shall not require manipulation of a connector by the user.

§1193.33(b) Manufacturers shall include in general product information the contact method for obtaining the information required by paragraph (a) of this section.

§1193.33(c) Where manufacturers provide employee training, they shall ensure it is appropriate to an employee's function. In developing, or incorporating existing training programs, consideration shall be given to the following factors:

(1) Accessibility requirements of individuals with disabilities;
(2) Means of communicating with individuals with disabilities;
(3) Commonly used adaptive technology used with the manufacturer's products;
(4) Designing for accessibility; and
(5) Solutions for accessibility and compatibility.


Day Al-Mohamed
Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th St. NW
Suite 1004
Washington DC 20015
202-467-5081
www.acb.org / = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
OR
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =

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